A group of Cockermouth fundraisers which has raised tens of thousands pounds in the past five years for West Cumbria Hospice at Home, staged its biggest event recently.

The Cockermouth Fundraising Group, co-ordinated by Beatty Thornthwaite, held a garden party for 220 at South Lodge, near Cockermouth.

They raised £3,038 by laying on afternoon teas, a prosecco stall, live music and games.

South lodge is owned by Clare Dodsworth and Omar Khan, who live there with their three children

Beatty, who works at the Hospice shop in Kings Arms Lane, met Clare at an event in town, where her group was doing refreshments.

"She was impressed with our organisation and asked us if we wanted to do something at her place," she said.

"They have fabulous grounds and have been extremely generous.

"We had superb weather and there was a great New Orleans jazz band from Newcastle, all veteran musicians, organised by mayor Alan Tyson. One of his chosen charities is hospice."

There are up to 30 people in the fundraising group.

"All the cakes were home made, dozens of people had been baking," said Beatty.

There was also a bouncy castle, raffle and welly-throwing.

"It was a great day, the biggest fundraiser we have had. We meet monthly and have raised £37,087 since we got together informally in 2012."