A generous couple have raised thousands of pounds for charity rather than receiving birthday presents.

Yvonne and Mills Owen held an open house at their Thornton Road home, in Whitehaven, to celebrate their landmark 70th and 80th birthdays and more than 60 of their family and friends helped raise over £2,000.

Yvonne, 70, said: “We decided between us that instead of having presents, we would have people’s presence.

"We had a fantastic day and the amount of visitors was unbelievable – they were pushing money into my hands.”

There was a tombola, cake stall and afternoon champagne tea provided by Woodland’s Tea Room at Santon Bridge. Those who attended were charged £2 entry.

The money was raised for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

The charity’s marketing co-ordinator, Deana Grills, said: “It’s heartening to know we have such magnificent support within our community.”