The incredible generosity of people in the Carlisle area who helped give a dying man his last wish was "amazing to witness".

Eden Valley Hospice has praised the overwhelming response of local people, after they reached out to a terminally ill patient who wanted to marry his sweetheart.

The groom had recently proposed but he is coming to the end of his life.

The hospice made an appeal on Thursday for two rings and a simple dress for his bride. Within hours they were inundated with everything they'd asked for and more.

With the help of Manchester-based charity Wish for a Wedding, everything was in place in time for the wedding, a private ceremony, which was set to take place last night.

Chris Bray, head of marketing and income generation at the Carlisle-based hospice, said it's humbling and proves what can be done.

"Within a short period of time the community had come together really quickly and it's really quite moving, from a hospice point of view, to see that in action," he said.

"It will make a tremendous difference to the family.

"We can't thank people enough for that.

"The community are amazing. Cumbrians and the people of Carlisle; whenever they are asked to step up to the plate, they do.

"We are very appreciative of that generosity.

"It's help without even a thought and that is amazing for us to witness."

Mr Bray said it shows the power of social media and how five or 10 years ago that wouldn't have been possible.

While it is rare that they would need to organise a wedding in such short notice, he added that it's reassuring to know that help is there if it was ever needed.

"It just gives people a hope. Life is tough for people and sometimes this sort of story gives hope and faith," he said.

Zenith Brett, of Wish for a Wedding, said they had been inundated with offer of rings and dresses as well as cakes and flowers.

"The response was incredibly overwhelming, it's wonderful to see so many local people offering to help," she said.

Jopsons Jewellers donated the groom's ring but there were multiple offers from other jewellers and one local lady who offered to buy a ring herself.

Jopsons sales assistant Abbie Turner said: "It's just one of those things that is so special.

"To know that someone can get their last wish, it's important to us. It's close to our hearts, to make sure everyone gets what they wish for."