The "dedicated and talented" teams of council staff across the borough of Copeland have been praised for their efforts throughout the coronavirus crisis.

More than 230 food parcels were delivered and 1,700 calls to vulnerable residents were made in the first two months of the crisis alone, alongside a whole host of other vital assistance.

The council's two leading figures, mayor Mike Starkie and chief executive Pat Graham have praised their staff for the assistance they have been providing in the face of the disruption caused by Covid-19.

They both released a joint statement in which they stressed how much the hard work and dedication of Copeland council's staff was valued by them.

“Our officers have all worked incredibly hard to support those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic," they said.

“Many of them have gone above and beyond in their duties, and worked many more than their contracted hours, spending additional time away from their loved ones, to deliver vital support to our most vulnerable residents, and to maintain the delivery of key services.

“We’re incredibly proud of each and every one of our officers and thank them sincerely for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the organisation and their communities.”