An after-school scheme set up by a group of Cockermouth parents celebrates its 25th birthday this week.

Cockermouth After School Scheme is based at the Scout Centre, off St Helen's Street.

Hilary Standage has worked there for 18 years.

She said: "It was set up by a group of parents who needed affordable childcare.

"They formed a voluntary management committee and the whole thing started off with a few kids. It's just grown and grown over the years." 

About 40 children, aged between four and 11, use it each day.

It is open before and after school and also runs throughout the holidays, when up to 40 children use it.

Hilary, of Harrot Hill, added: "During the term, children come here from various local schools. In the holidays, they come from all over.

"We had some Spanish children for a few weeks this summer. The family was here for a month and the parents were keen for the children to learn a bit of English. Others have come from America or France, they have heard about us through word of mouth."

Manager Julie Poole has five staff, including Rose Richardson, who attended the scheme as a child.

Rose, 27, of Mosser, has been a play worker for eight years.

She added: "My mum used it about 20 years ago. When I was here it was a lot smaller. Now it's bigger we can do a lot more."

Children, staff and parents enjoyed a party this week, with hot dogs and bouncy castles.