One of Cockermouth's longest standing businesses is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

John Cusack opened Cockermouth Travel in 1980. His son, Paul, joined him the following year and has been running the business since John retired 10 years ago.

The Main Street shop started out in the building next door, with John and two staff. There is now a team of 12.

John, of Isel Road, Cockermouth, said: "We decided to have desks rather than counters, which was quite something in those days. Our intention was to develop the business focusing on personal service and that is still the philosophy today.

"At that time the holiday season was from May to September, which was a bit of a nightmare as you had to get through the rest of the year.

"But the holiday business is completely different these days. Cockermouth Travel has gradually grown and grown over the years."

John was delighted to hand over the reins to Paul, of Henry Street, Cockermouth. His other son, Sean, runs The Castle Bar in Market Place with his wife, Jayne.

The shop staff, including manager Jackie Lowther, who joined in 1981, celebrated with a cake and team photo. The shop has recently been refurbished.

Paul said: "My dad set this all up 35 years ago and I just felt it was a nice thing to mark.

"There are lots of independent businesses in Cockermouth but not many who have been here as long as us."