An arts centre in Egremont is appealing for help in a bid to keep its doors open as it faces a "very real threat of closure".

Florence Arts Centre, based at Florence Mine, has launched a crowdfunding campaign in an attempt to raise £10,000 and secure its future.

The venue provides a wide range of events from art exhibitions and workshops to music and comedy gigs as well as offering a work space for schools, community groups and charities.

Building and marketing manager Craig Carruthers said: "Over the last two years Florence has gone from strength to strength, bringing to West Cumbria an incredible range of arts, music, film and performance.

"We've always relied on the support of our volunteers to keep things running and on grants from local and national arts funders. Unfortunately we are currently not in receipt of any grants and, whilst our enthusiasm and ideas are limitless, our funds are not.

"We've launched a Crowdfunding campaign to raise much-needed funds to keep us open - and to allow us to continue to bring superb artists and musicians to Egremont, to support local artists with exhibitions and gigs and to provide a space for entertainment and education for everyone.

"We're really proud of our increased engagement with local schools and colleges, with community groups and charities and we really do have something for everyone, as much as that's a cliché.

"There is a very real threat of closure and we are pursuing many funding options, including asking our friends and supporters to help. "

The centre has hosted award-winning international jazz musicians, traditional folk and up-and-coming rock and pop bands and holds monthly jazz and open mic nights, stand-up comedy and theatre performances.

It has also put on cinema screenings of new releases, special showings and free films for pensioners and families.

Students from Lakes College have been making use of the facilities at Florence with a two-week artists' residency.

Based in the converted miners' shower block, the pupils developed new work inspired by their industrial surroundings at the old iron ore mine.

The work will be exhibited in the centre's gallery for a fortnight, opening with a preview evening on Friday between 6pm and 9pm.

For more information on the arts centre, visit www.florenceartscentre.com or to support their fundraising effort, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/florence-arts-centre