A VOLUNTEER group in Cockermouth has seen its numbers soar as more and more people aim to do their bit to help others.

Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG) answered 60 calls from people in need last week but thankfully 160 new volunteers signed up.

Administrator Jo Crozier was blown away by the response. "The community spirit people are showing has been phenomenal. My flabber has never been so gasted," she said. "We are really quite flexible and we'll give anything a go if we can.

"Without people signing up we wouldn't be able to help anybody so it's been a fantastic response."

CERG is supporting both pharmacies in the town and has volunteers offering dog walking services, foodbank deliveries and doing shopping for those in isolation.

Call CERG on 07852599794.