A MAJOR charity showcase event is to be held virtually, owing to the restrictions brought on by the pandemic.

Cumbria Community Foundation's annual celebration dinner is to held as an online event this year.

Rory Stewart, ex-MP for Penrith and the Borders as well as former Conservative Party leader and London mayoral candidate, is the keynote speaker for the evening.

Entitled 'Stronger Foundations', the event is set to take place on Thursday, October 15 am 6:30pm.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at the Foundation, said: “We are delighted that Rory Stewart, who knows the county so well, is able to join us and speak about the way forward for Cumbria through COVID-19.

"We will also hear from two local groups that have been supported through our COVID-19 Response Fund: Food initiative, S.H.I.N.E. (Support, Help in Nourishing Everyone), which was established during the pandemic to support vulnerable people in Brampton, and Love Barrow Families."