Oxfam celebrated the 50th anniversary of its work in Cockermouth with a party for volunteers, and one received an award for her dedication.

Long-time volunteer Elly Rowland was presented with an Oxfam Award for Empowerment for her years of service at the event.

She has volunteered for the charity for more than 25 years and has used her experience of working in libraries to work in the book area of the town's shop, which includes online sales.

Guests at the event included Mary Bradbury, who was one of the founder members of a 10-strong committee who started door-to-door collections in the town in 1992.

Their efforts came 25 years after the launch of the charity, which began as Oxford Famine Relief.

Volunteers old and new joined the celebration event, which featured an Oxfam logo cake made by Elly.

There was a talk by Fee Gilfeather, from Trading, to celebrate some of the wonderful work Oxfam does around the world and some momentous dates.

Many of the volunteers received certificates and badges in recognition of their contribution to the charity.

The town's efforts for Oxfam progressed from door-to-door collections to donations of goods from townsfolk.

This led to a market stall, run by Florence Williams, and later a shop was opened. It now sells through Oxfam Online as well as from its Station Street premises.

Anyone interested in volunteering at the shop can drop into the shop, call 01900 826341 and ask for Jean or Jane or email oxfam shopf0319@oxfam.org.uk