A SMALL group of West Cumbrians have been enjoying a taste of stardom.

The “celebrities” live next door to each in sheltered bungalows on Glebe Lane, Distington, run by the charity West House.

All 18 staff members have banded together to ensure that life under Covid-19 is to be enjoyed.

Registered manager Kelly Tew said: “This is just one of the events we have run.

“We were going to have a barbecue but it turned into a red carpet event.

“We borrowed the red carpet and balustrade from Crown Celebrations, who donated them to us.

“Some of the greatest stars turned up to entertain us including Elvis and Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner and a large rabbit turned up courtesy of staff members Lorraine Gunn, Georgia Naylor and Olivia Hannigan.

“All the staff were terrific.”

Kelly said the event has been weeks in the planning with every staff member taking responsibility for one part – decorations, food and so on.

The two bungalows, which form a bubble, got together for the occasion and enjoyed the food and posh cocktails served by bow-tied waiters.

The guests, in all their finery, were escorted along the red carpet and had their photo taken by the paparazzi before joining the party.

Glebe Lane staff have been working – and succeeding – to ensure that lockdown was not too difficult for their residents.

They are in the middle of a “world tour” at present, “visiting” a different country each month to learn the customs, dress appropriately and eat the food.

They were in Scotland to celebrate Burns Night and then in Paris. Next time they will be in Turkey with belly dancing women and fez-adorned men.

Kelly said: “Our staff are fantastic. I am sure they spend hours online trying to find suitable clothing for our ‘journeys’ and getting familiar with customs and food.

“They get so involved.

“It is a difficult time for our residents who can’t get out or do the things they normally do. But the staff is making sure that they do not get too down and I know the residents really enjoy these events.”

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