A business which was praised for its efforts by Cumbria In Bloom judges has had an application for funding for its floral display rejected.

The Georgian House in Whitehaven asked the town council to donate £500 to help with costs towards its display.

But councillors rejected the request at a meeting on Thursday.

Councillor Julie Rayson said: "Their display looks lovely and they spend a lot of money on it themselves.

"My concern is that if you do this for them this year, we're leaving ourselves open for other businesses to want the same."

The town council has provided hanging baskets for shops for three years, however it recently asked for donations from businesses to provide and maintain them.

Councillor Brian O'Kane said: "When we were showing round the judges for In Bloom we went down that street and the Georgian House were commended for their display.

"I don't think we would be considering giving £500 to any business in town, but maybe we could donate the cost it would have been to provide hanging baskets."

But councillor Raymond Gill disagreed. He said: "We're now asking businesses to donate to us, this hotel has been doing the display long before we were established as a council, if we say yes, we're opening the flood gates."

Councillor Graham Roberts said £500 was a lot of money.

Councillors unanimously voted to refuse the grant.