Cockermouth's Memorial Gardens have been restored to their former glory, more than 18 months after they were devastated by flooding.

Many of the paths were washed away or left unusable by the 2015 floods.

Contractors finished repair work this week. The project to stabilise the river banks to reduce erosion, restore footpaths and minimise future flood damage cost more than £23,000.

The council raised £11,150 through increasing its council tax precept. A further £12,186 came from Cumbria Community Foundation's flood fund.

Gravel dredged from the river by the Environment Agency last year was used to restore part of the footpaths.

Councillor Alan Kennon said: "It looks brilliant and is so important for the town. They have graded the banking by the castle so it does not become such an obstacle with the water cutting under it."

Coun Julie Laidlow said: "People were getting a bit tired of the state it was in. It's great to see it restored to its former glory. People will be very happy."

The community has pulled together to improve the town, said Councillor Rebecca Hanson.

She added: "Work has been carried out on the castle by Lord Egremont, the town's civic trust have done work on a riverside footpath, a steering group has been working on the river confluence and the town council has done this.

"It shows how Cockermouth operates with so many different groups doing different things, all of which complement each other."

Ian Creighton of West Cumbria Rivers Trust led the project for the council.