A campaign to help the lives of Cumbrians living with motor neurone disease has received a massive boost of more than £8,000 - thanks to a devoted group of nurseries.

Members of the National Day Nurseries Association's Carlisle network have raised £8,300 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, their chosen charity for the last year.

The money will go to the MND Association's north and west Cumbria group to support those affected by the disease.

A host of events during the year were spearheaded by the fundraising team of Nicola Scott, Julie Laidlaw and Jo Knighton.

For Nicola, from Parkfield Nursery on Dalston Road in Carlisle, the campaign has personal significance as her mother-in-law, Christine Scott, is living with the disease.

"That was the catalyst," she said.

"We are part of the NDNA, and each year we pick a charity to support.

"Motor Neurone Disease is very close to home for me. It is also very current in the news and there has been a lot in the press this year about younger adults getting it too.

"As nurseries that is where we come in, for those families with young children.

"There has been a lot of different fundraising events - cake bake sales, a race night, scavenger hunts and a walk around Talkin Tarn, for example.

"We are extremely proud of everyone who has taken part and helped."

Eric Tiffin, the MND Association's north and west Cumbria group leader, said: "When I spoke to Nicola and was told the amalgamation of nurseries had raised £8,300, I couldn't believe it. It's just fantastic.

"That sort of amount can help people in all sorts of ways. It could buy five body driers, 16 washing machines, holiday grants, carers' grants, wheelchairs, stairlifts - it all depends on what requests come into us.

"The important thing is the money stays in this area for people affected by MND."

Barbara Mason, NDNA Carlisle Branch secretary/treasurer, added: "Nicola, Jo and Julie all worked tirelessly to encourage people and organise the events - they put a lot of time and effort in.

"We are in the process of choosing another charity for this year and I'm sure everyone will be just as enthusiastic."

The nurseries' fundraising further boosts the MND Association in north and west Cumbria after the efforts of former Carlisle United and Workington footballer Tony Hopper, who was diagnosed with the disease last year.

His "fightback fund" for the charity has already raised more than £36,000.

The nurseries who took part from the Carlisle area are Abacus Children's Nursery, Abbey Children's Day Nursery, Crosby Nursery, First Steps Day Nursery, Houghton Day Nursery, Jack and Jill Nursery Ltd, Little Jems Nursery, Little Luvs Day Nursery, Munchkins Nursery School, Newtown Road Day Nursery, Parkfield Nursery, Holme Head House, St Aidan's Day Nursery, St Peters Pre-School, Stepping Stones Nursery, The Wendy House and the High Grove Nursery.

Those involved from the Penrith area are: First Class Kids, Muddy Boots Nursery and Queen Street Nursery.