A VE Day commemorative bench is the latest addition to the Maryport promenade upgrade.

The Maryport Coastal Community Committee, in partnership with Maryport promotions group Maryporters, spent £50,000 on upgrading an old building on the seafront into a pleasant place for people to rest.

And the bench, which features a design paying tribute to those who served in the armed forces, has now been added to provide a quiet place for rest and remembrance.

Allerdale Council officer Toni Magean, who helped lead the project, said another bench is also set to be installed in the area.

Maryporters chairman Debbie Wright said there are also plans to add children’s artwork and information about Maryport at the site.

“We are also going to officially open it sometime in June, when we are allowed to gather again," she said.

“It has been in place for a while, although the bench has only just arrived and there are still some finishing touches to do on the gazebo itself.

“The pandemic has meant we have been unable to give it the official opening we would like.”

With the Government suggesting that social distancing could be relaxed in June, the group is now looking to set a date then.

Debbie added: “I would like to get a band and maybe serve some refreshments up there on the day.

"The promenade is the jewel in Maryport’s crown and should be properly celebrated."

The Maryporters group has also been involved with the Community Rail group, which has invested in upgrading Maryport railway station.

Members have planted flower troughs in front of the station and on the platform and plans to do some more planting soon.