In the final week of Copeland Borough Council's award-winning Shop Local: Keep it in Copeland campaign, we're taking a look at the stores at the heart of the community.

With an end to lockdown in sight, and spring looking to give renewed hope to the high street, traders and shoppers can breathe a sigh of relief. But thanks to the Copeland community, times haven't been quite as tough as expected for some.

Although life hasn't been easy for the Cleator Family Store, owner Diane Aspinall is grateful to have remained standing throughout the pandemic, keeping the people of Cleator and beyond happy with her famous pies and other necessities.

"We sell everything, but we're famous for our pies. We make almost 800 on a Friday, so they're clearly very popular," she said.

"We're on the Coast-to-Coast route, so people from all over the world know about us, and they'll queue for ages for them.

"It's been a really hard time for everyone this past year, and I feel really lucky we were able to stay open, because if I had closed early on, I don't think I'd have been able to open again."

She added: "Two policemen came into the shop last year, and I was really worried they were going to tell me I wasn't an essential shop so had to close, but they said, 'of course not, you do the best hot food for miles,' so that was a relief!"

The convenience store, on Main Street, has been at the heart of the community for 13 years, and with so many loyal and "amazing" customers, Diane hopes to keep spreading some cheer throughout the area for many more to come.

She said: "We've never really been thanked before, because we're just a little shop, but so many people have thanked us for being open through all of this, and it means a lot to us.

"People have said how pleased they are to be able to come in for their fresh pies, and to have a craic and a catch up – for so many people, we're the only people they can see at the moment."

She continued: "It's so important [to shop locally]. If I need something I'll always go to other local shops, because it's good to all support each other.

"We have so many amazing customers, and I would like to say thank you to all of them for their support and loyalty, because it does mean a lot.

"And thank you to our suppliers who have stuck with us – we're so grateful for every bit of support we've had."

Also playing a vital part in the town is Wilson's Butchers, with top-quality meat and delicious pies available for all to enjoy.

The High Street shop is a firm favourite in Cleator Moor, and with click and collect-style ordering available, there's no reason you can't tuck into a perfect Sunday dinner, mid-week broth or tasty sausage butty with the popular butcher's products.

The Shop Local campaign may be coming to an end, but there's always time to support your high street. Each and every village and town has its very own gems to explore and support, so always remember – Shop Local, and Keep it in Copeland!