Staff at a Cockermouth factory have given £5,000 to 10 local charities.

Employees of James Walker on Gote Brow are given the option of paying part of their monthly wages into a charity scheme.

Over the years, the scheme has raised thousands of pounds, which the charity committee decided to divide between various groups.

Employees who had donated were asked to nominate charities which they would like to benefit, the committee then decided on the final 10.

Each of them was given £500 on Tuesday.

The groups were Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, West Cumbria Carers, Knoxwood Wildlife Rescue Trust, the Henderson Suite at the West Cumberland Hospital, Cockermouth First Responders, Hospice at Home West Cumbria, Team Evie, SHOUT parent support group, Dearham District First Responders and Maryport Boys' and Girls' Club.

Katrina Zirins, of Kirkbank, Cockermouth, works in logistics.

She said: "I have been here nearly 44 years and paid into the charity scheme since I started. I think it's a brilliant idea and everyone who takes part gets to chose which charities benefit."

Katrina nominated the Henderson Suite.

She said: "My future brother in law, Michael Tunstall, who is an inspector at the factory, has been having treatment for a myeloma. I was keen to support the hospital."

Charlotte Cole, of Dearham, is a business analyst and has been paying into the scheme since she started working at the factory 10 years ago.

She said: "It's a great idea, I'm pleased and proud to be part of it."

She nominated Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team following all their support after Storm Desmond.

Charlotte added: "When we came in after the floods they were stood outside the factory in all their gear.

"The car park was still flooded but they helped some members of staff enter the factory so they could assess the damage.

"They were hugely supportive so we all wanted to show our gratitude."

The factory, which makes seals and gaskets and employs 500 people, was devastated during the December floods, but was back in business 14 days later, thanks to a recovery plan and staff volunteering to work over the holiday period.