A HOMELESS hostel is celebrating after receiving an annual award from Egremont Town Council.

The Good Citizen award recognises an individual or group that has gone above and beyond for Egremont.

Calderwood House has been chosen as 2016's winner in recognition of its volunteering activities in the town since it opened in September last year. Staff will be presented with the award at September's town council meeting.

Throughout the year, the hostel's residents and staff have carried out litter picking, planted flowers, worked on flower designs for the Queens 90th birthday and carried out painting jobs in Egremont.

It was nominated for the award by councillor Jean Lewthwaite and recently-retired town clerk Margaret Woodburn.

To be eligible for the award, the nominees must reside in Egremont Parish (Egremont, Moor Row, Bigrigg) and have contributed to the place they live.

Calderwood House was opened as a hostel for the homeless - with priority given to ex-services personnel - to offer emergency accommodation and temporary support.

A celebratory post on the hostel's Facebook page said: "We are committed to helping our residents develop and the work we are able to support with in the community is invaluable experience for them. Having our efforts recognised in this way really is fantastic!

"A huge congratulations to all of our residents and support workers, past and present, who have earned this award!"

Last year's winner was Elvina Quayle, a florist, who dedicated over 70 years to the people of Egremont and was presented with the award for her talent with flowers as well as her pleasant manner.

Elvina owned Jenkinson's flower shop before she retired last year and also dedicated her time to local fundraising events.