MISS Cumbria has been offering a helping hand to residents and charities in the county throughout the pandemic.

Lauren Sweeney, the current Miss Cumbria, has not been idly sitting around during the lockdown, instead she has been using her position to help people across the county.

It began all the way back in March when she decided to set up a mini food bank of sorts.

Lauren said: “I collected some old tins and stuff out of my cupboard and my mum did the same.

“I put on my Miss Cumbria page that I was donating them to people - a few people got in contact asking if I would be able to drop them round.

“My mum and I went on deliveries and did that dropping it off on people’s doorsteps.”

From there, the charitable acts just grew.

She has also been collecting hygiene and sanitary products which people may not immediately think of as a necessity.

“Through Miss Cumbria I have always tried to help the community but I want to do it more during this uncertain time for people that can’t provide for themselves,” she said.

“I want to do my part just like everybody else is.”

She has also been trying to work with the many local charities in the area that may be facing strain as a result of the virus.

By making donations, she is hoping to make things a bit easier for some

“All these big charities are amazing for the community but there is a lot of strain on them at the minute, it is just to help them out as well,” said Lauren.

“I have already donated a few bags to the Eden Valley Hospice but obviously I want to do more for other charities in the area.

“At this moment in time, donations would be a massive help for the community.

“It’s not just charities themselves, I want people to contact me if they do feel like they are struggling and if they do want to make a donation.”

Lauren said the best way for people to contact her to make a donation or to ask for support is through her Miss Cumbria Facebook page.