A caring community pulled out all the stops to help those struggling over Christmas.

Hundreds of packages filled with food, gifts and toiletries, were sent out to people living in Cleator Moor and further afield.

Michelle Denwood, of the group Cleator Caring Moor, said it had been a great success.

"It went brilliantly. It was amazing. Everybody pulled together. We had some fantastic donations."

As well as handing out parcels, the group has reached further due to the Aldi Christmas giveaway.

For a second year the Whitehaven supermarket donated all of its unsold fresh food to charities to hand out on Christmas Eve.

Michelle said: "We had two vans full of fresh fruit, vegetables and an amazing amount of bread. It was great to be able to give people healthy products. We filled 250 bags and every bag went."

Cleator Moor Civic Hall and Masonic Centre allowed the group to open a free shop on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for those who needed food. Charles Moores and William Morley handed out goods on Christmas Day.

When the group was set up in 2012, Michelle had only planned to run it for a few years, but the demand has increased each year.

She said: "Cleator Caring Moor was all about getting together and helping each other. Neighbours should help neighbours.

"It started small but it's just got bigger. I wish there wasn't a need but unfortunately there is. It's sad.

"It's not just Cleator Moor, unfortunately. We had people from Seascale, Egremont, Distington, Hensingham."

This year Michelle also organised an odd sock appeal, which saw people fill socks with gifts for those less fortunate.

"They went down really well," she said. "Those that didn't have much to give their children had something to give."

Applegreen petrol station on Coach Road, Whitehaven, donated 100 boxes of mince pies and Always Another Way Ltd helped bag up and deliver the food parcels.

Michelle said: "I'd like to thank everyone for all their help and support. People have been absolutely fantastic."