BLOOD Bikes Cumbria has been praised for its hard work and dedication to support the region's hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since lockdown, the charity has operated a 24-hour service, with volunteers doubling the amount of hours they put in.

Their efforts haven't gone unnoticed, with the group receiving the High Sheriff of Cumbria Special Recognition Award.

Chairperson Anne Marie Moffatt said it was amazing to be recognised. "We were absolutely stunned," she said. "It's such an amazing and prestigious award to receive.

"To be recognised, it's just amazing. The volunteers are so happy and pleased."

The medical courier service - which transports anything that needs moved from one hospital to another, including bloods, tissue samples, urgent medical supplies, records and equipment - usually operates 6pm - 6am and 24 hours on weekends and bank holidays.

Even before lockdown volunteers were already assisting hospitals throughout the day as they realised there was an increasing need for help.

"We haven't just been helping the labs with this. We offered our services to other departments because there was a huge strain on the NHS. So wherever they needed help, we got involved and we're still going to do that as much as we can throughout Covid," said Anne Marie.

In the coming weeks Blood Bikes Cumbria will be returning to normal cover during the week as demand has dropped but systems are in place in case 24-hour cover is needed again.

The group, which formed six years ago, is now made up of 150 volunteers including riders, car drivers, controllers and fundraisers and has gone from strength to strength.

"When we put a call out to say we were going to go 24 hours, that rota was filled from March to the beginning of June more or less straight away.

"Our volunteers are absolutely amazing. I can't thank them enough for everything and for what they have done for our NHS throughout Covid-19. They have put themselves in a position to go and help others.

"Everybody has pulled together and there's been fantastic teamwork over the past four months, and it will continue on" she said.

Anne Marie also wanted to pass on thanks from Blood Bikes to the NHS, and to the public for their donations during the crisis.

She added: "We really appreciate what they've done. The NHS has worked so hard through this. It has been such a difficult time for everybody. They have gone to work, saved lives, done their jobs."