Labour's parliamentary candidate for Copeland opened the party's new office and campaign centre in Whitehaven.

There were cheers from Labour members and supporters as Tony Lywood opened the doors to the new base on Lowther Street.

He said: " We are really pleased to be able to open this new campaign hub to help coordinate election activities for the next month.We have hundreds of members who need an accessible place to come and learn about campaigning.

"Since opening this campaign hub we have been inundated with members of the public coming to talk to us about Labour's policy positive policy platform, to pick up a poster for their window or just have a chat with other volunteers. We have many volunteers who help us run this campaign hub and we thank them for their time. If you want to help us with our campaign, just pop in and talk to us."

The office will act as a focal point for members and supporters to meet and plan their campaign. It will also display information to passing shop-goers about candidate Tony Lywood.

Lisa Conway, a mother-of-three from Egremont, who attended the official opening, said: "It's really great to be here at this opening. I joined the Labour Party recently because I'm sick of the impact of Conservative cuts and austerity on my community, and because of child care costs I have had to stop working.

"I've seen first-hand the impact of cuts on our children's education. I would urge members of the public to drop by and get involved in our campaign for a fairer and stronger Copeland."

Mr Lywood added: "If any members of the public would like to meet me they can just drop in. I am often there, but I also spend a lot of time knocking on doors and meeting people, so if I’m not there just leave your contact details with one of our volunteers and I will get back to you."

The address of the new hub is: 20 Lowther Street, Whitehaven. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am until 5pm. Weekend opening times vary.