The new manager of a Cockermouth charity shop has thanked the volunteer who has been running the store for the past year.

Jean Palmer took on the paid role this month.

She has taken over from volunteer Jane Roy who stepped in to help following the sudden death of manager Bob Edwards.

Jane, who has been volunteering at the shop for five years, said: "I'm 69, a pensioner, I came up here to enjoy my retirement and do a bit of voluntary work and ended up running a shop for a year!"

Jane, of Greenbank Lane, Cockermouth, will continue to volunteer.

Jean, who has lived in Cockermouth most of her life but recently moved to Maryport, worked in the town's Wilkinson store for eight years.

She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed it there but wanted a change, a new beginning.

"I like the variety and the fact that it's Oxfam, a shop I have been in and out of as a customer for years. It's been in town for a long time and there is a fantastic team behind it."

Jean is keen to increase that team by another 10 volunteers, so that less pressure is put on the existing staff.

No skills are needed and people can do as many or few hours as they would like.

She said: "We have a great range of people and ages. People come here for all sorts of reasons. It's a great opportunity for youngsters to gain shop experience.

"Someone wanting to be trained on how to use a computer could come here, maybe someone interested in fashion could do the displays.

"We also have lots of books so would welcome anyone interested in that aspect."

Anyone interested in helping out should pop into the shop in Station Street.