A Carlisle community centre open day, which attracted crowds of families and passers by, was a reminder of their importance, according to the city mayor.

The open day at Morton Manor Community Centre, which was co-ordinated by Carlisle Matters, was a chance to showcase various services and events across the city.

Various community groups and services turned up to take up a stall at the event, held on Sunday July 25, including Carlisle Community Cycle Hub, Friends of Chances Park, and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

The Covid-19 pandemic has proved a difficult time for community centres and those who rely on them, according to the Mayor of Carlisle, councillor Pamela Birks, who was present at the open day.

“Covid-19 has been awful. It’s devastated people and left them isolated,” said cllr Birks.

“It’s left youths without anywhere to go, and elderly and disabled people without anywhere to go.

“Those community centres have been a life line and continue to be a life line.

“They’re a real hub. They hold events like pensioners lunches, which help tackle social isolation.

“The nurseries for the young children are important, too.

“When Covid-19 hit, it was often the community centres that knew who our most vulnerable people were.”

As well as getting to talk with firefighters and have their bikes serviced, visitors enjoyed enjoyed a range of other activities on offer.

Children - and even adults - took delight in the bouncy castle, and a display of historical toys at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Stall.

Cllr Birks said the day at Morton Manor Community Centre was “fabulous and interesting”.

She added: “It was just great to see the community centre open again and people were enjoying the cafe there as well. It just shows us what an invaluable resource we’ve got in Chances Park and Morton Manor Community Centre.”