LIKE many West Cumbrian towns, Cockermouth has a great community spirit.

Over the years we have reported on all sorts of town initiatives, from the creation of Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG) and the Clothes Pantry for families in need, to Daffodil Day and efforts to remember those who died during World War 1.

While these initiatives have involved lots of willing volunteers - there is one man who has played an active part in each and everyone of them, and many more.

Brian Mitchelhill is a busy member of Cockermouth Rotary Club. Over the years he has worked tirelessly to help others - at home and abroad. For that reason he is our Person of the Week.

In 2014 the Rotary club created a commemorative garden near to Gote Bridge. Brian lead the initiative which involved a wooden cross being planted on the 100th anniversary of the death of each of the 227 Cockermouth men who died in the war.

Brian was also involved in the installation of a commemorative bench outside the United Reformed Church in November 2018.

Following the devastating floods of 2015, he was part of a team which set up CERG. The idea was to ensure the community is better prepared for flooding and other large-scale emergencies. They have played a huge part throughout lockdown, supporting people in all sorts of ways - from shopping to dog walking.

Jo Crozier, of CERG, said: "I first met Brian when he was convening a meeting of the voluntary organisations wishing to help after the floods of 2015. This was with his Rotary hat on. I saw him then work tirelessly for the community alongside Paul Mogford, of Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area. Brian was even out on Christmas day making sure those affected had access to supplies if they needed them.

"He then worked with others to form CERG and his devotion to the town has not lessened since then. Even whilst having to shield himself and being poorly he worked tirelessly liaising with the county council and Allerdale as chair of CERG and on behalf of all the volunteers in Cockermouth."

County councillor Rebecca Hanson said: "During lockdown CERG has done Cockermouth proud. The town is being held up as an example of how a community response group should be set up and operate. Brian's personal dedication and the professional expertise he brought to CERG has clearly played a very important role in that success."