A COMPANY which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary in Ulverston will mark the occasion by handing over a special award tomorrow.

GSK has been a part of the town since 1948, when it processed its first batch of penicillin from its base off North Lonsdale Road.

Since then it has manufactured more than 45 different products and employed thousands of people from the local community and beyond

As part of its 70th year celebrations, staff have held a series of events, including a nighttime ascent of Skiddaw, taking part in the Total Warrior Challenge and the first open day at the site for 20 years.

At tomorrow's Heart of Ulverston Awards, they will hand an award over to Ulverston Community Enterprises to recognise the role the organisation has played in the community since it was formed.

Jo Jones of GSK will hand over the award. She said: "As many people will appreciate, 2018 has been a particularly difficult year for the team at GSK, but the strength and support shown by the Ulverston community has been remarkable.

"The town and its people have been a part of our seven-decade journey, through the ups and downs, the highs and lows. We have always been proud to call Ulverston our home - and so it seemed only right that we recognise an individual or organisation that helps to make this town so special."

Established to rescue Coronation Hall from closure, the UCE exists to look after community assets and currently have the hall and the indoor and outdoor market under their stewardship.

They have a simple mission - to run community assets with the community and for the community.

Events such as the Heart of Ulverston Awards help keep the Coronation Hall running as a viable community asset.

Vanessa Sims, editor of The Mail, said: "When it comes to discussing venues for the Heart of Ulverston Awards every year, it is almost impossible to see beyond the Coro.

"It is a beautiful building and a real jewel in Ulverston's crown. Holding the awards here every year is one of the ways in which The Mail supports this wonderful community and long may that continue."