An appeal to make Christmas special for OAPs brought joy to more than 40 people.

Krystal Rowe, 28, deputy manager at Mears Care, on Solway Road, launched the campaign in October.

She said: "I never expected it to be so big. We gave out 45 hampers which were brought out to elderly people by our carers and massive boxes full of food just because there was so much. We gave some boxes to Evelyn Adams who organises a free lunch for Christmas in Workington every year and always gives the elderly that go some hampers to bring back for dinner.

"I'm hoping to do it again next year, although I don't know whether we'll have the same response."

She said that food and hampers were also donated to sheltered accommodation in West Cumbria, including Firth House in Seaton, Workington, and a hostel in Egremont. 

When the floods hit the county last month, Krystal extended the appeal to collect items for people who had been flooded out.

She said: "That appeal is still ongoing. It makes me feel good to know that I've helped make a difference."