TRIBUTES have been paid to the 'outstanding' work of people in the Cumbrian care sector who have 'prevented a far worse situation'.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cumbria County Council (CCC) cabinet member for adult social care, said: “The care sector in Cumbria, both private and public, has been working incredibly hard for weeks now to keep our most vulnerable residents safe.

"It has been incredibly challenging and very sadly people have died."

However, she said: "It is absolutely clear that the outstanding work of hundreds of people every day has prevented a far worse situation and we have been glad to be able to offer support to help them do their vital work."

The manager of a Cumbrian care home, who did not wish to be named, said the support from the local authority had been a 'Godsend'.

He said he received daily phone calls from CCC asking how the care home team was managing and if it had enough personal protective equipment.