Poppy sellers from the Cockermouth area came together to celebrate raising more than £14,000.

Representatives from schools, businesses and town groups gathered at the Town Hall where they were congratulated.

The Cockermouth group has been given the George Cole Award for its efforts.

Everyone who helped with last year’s poppy appeal was invited. This included Eaglesfield Paddle School, Lorton and St Bridget’s School, Brigham, as well as youngsters from Cockermouth primary school, All Saints’, St Joseph’s, Fairfield and the secondary school.

Also invited were members of the town’s Women’s Institute, British Legion, Sainsbury’s, Billy Bowman’s Music Shop and poppy volunteers.

Cockermouth poppy appeal organiser Allison Wood said: “The Cockermouth Poppy Appeal 2016 raised over £14,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, which was over 40 per cent on previous years.

“The Cockermouth Poppy volunteers were presented with the George Cole Award.

“We are well supported by to the schools, shops, businesses and the people in our local communities.

“It was an honour to accept the award on behalf of everyone who helped with the Poppy Appeal and to have this opportunity to say well done and thank you for your continuous support.”

Cockermouth mayor Alan Tyson said: “I have been a poppy volunteer for many years and it is great privilege to be here as a volunteer and the Mayor of Cockermouth to say thank you and to present these young volunteers with their award.

“It’s great to have so many schools involved.”

Retired Cockermouth poppy appeal organiser Stephen Coates, who is still involved with the appeal and Remembrance Day, was at the Town Hall.

“It’s great to see so many people involved,” he said.

“Shops and schools have always been supportive over the years. In the last few years more people have come forward to help. I think with the 100th anniversary of World War One and so many different conflicts going on around the world it brings this more to the fore.

“It’s great to see so many children and schools involved and taking a big interest. It’s the young people that will have to carry this on in the future.”