Maryport's newest councillor may be virtually blind but she has a clear vision.

Nikki Shaw, 57, has been co-opted to the council to serve the Ewanrigg ward.

A former headteacher from Birmingham, she now lives in Maryport.

At her first meeting, she told fellow councillors: "I have a background in social justice. I would like to see the council engaging more with the public."

Councillor Peter Kendall said that had been tried on many occasions with limited success. However, he suggested that councillors might want to think about restarting surgeries in the different wards.

"We used to run them but stopped because of a lack of interest. We could try it again," he said.

The council also adopted a four-legged member of the team. Coun Shaw's guide dog, Holly, made herself at home in the council chamber, where she was warmly welcomed.