A tea party laid on for former workers at a Cockermouth shoe factory was hailed a huge success.

Around 75 ex-employees of Millers attended the event in the Kirkgate Centre.

Times and Star: There was lots on show at the exhibitionThere was lots on show at the exhibition (Image: Chris Lewis)

Millers was set up in town during World War Two and traded there for 50 years.

The company also had factories in Egremont, Workington, Frizington and Cleator, with a total of 2,000 staff. The factories were producing 70,000 pairs of shoes a week.

Times and Star: It was a great nostalgia trip for manyIt was a great nostalgia trip for many (Image: Chris Lewis)

The tea party was part of the Shoemaking in Cockermouth exhibition staged by Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, as part of the In My Shoes project.

Helen Johnston, Kirkgate Arts and Heritage community project officer, was delighted with the turnout.

Times and Star: Old friends come togetherOld friends come together (Image: Chris Lewis)

“Lots of people were sitting and chatting and looking through the scrapbooks. There was a nice atmosphere," she said.

About 500 people attended the exhibition.

"It went really well," said Helen.

"We were really pleased by the response. It was lovely to see everyone engaging, coming together and sharing stories, talking about the shoe industry in west Cumbria and Cockermouth.”

The plan is to tour the exhibition to other venues for those who missed it.

Times and Star:  Sharing memories of Millers Sharing memories of Millers (Image: Chris Lewis)

The 18-month In My Shoes project commemorates West Cumbria’s diverse heritage by exploring personal experiences of people throughout the area during a series of oral history workshops. It is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Sessions will continue throughout West Cumbria through to spring.

The Kirkgate youth theatre will perform Following my Footsteps as part of the In My Shoes project.

The show will take place at the Kirkgate Centre, at 6pm on December 7.

Tickets at thekirkgate.ticketsolve.com.