A hospice in Ulverston is giving back to the community for its annual 'thank you week'.

The yearly celebration sees St Mary's Hospice turn the tables and give back to the people who have kept the charity running for over three decades.

Starting on Monday, September 23, the team has been out and about across Furness and south Cumbria to say 'thank you'.

Read more: St Mary's Hospice thanks Barrow businesses with cake | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Making the celebrations even more special this year is that its the 35th anniversary since St Mary's first opened its doors, meaning the charity is going above and beyond to make the week a special one.

A spokesperson said: "Our patients and their families, volunteers, customers, donors, lottery players, compassionate companies, the list is almost endless, and each one is a vital cog that keeps St Mary's open, serving our community across Furness and South Lakes.

"We'll have staff members and volunteers making calls during the week to say thank you, and we'll have cupcakes being delivered to some supporters.

"And, of course, we'll be using our social channels each day to reach people, too."

The hospice began the week by putting its staff in the spotlight, who were described as being the 'very best people'.

"Our teams go above and beyond to make sure that patients and their families receive the very best care possible - the feedback we get for our medical and clinical services speaks volumes," said a spokesman.

"Then there are the unsung heroes behind the scenes who don't usually appear in photographs but who are just as important.

"I'm talking about our Facilities team, our Finance and Administration team, the Housekeeping team, and our volunteer and marketing department - none of what we do would be possible without everyone playing their part."

This appreciation was also shown towards the 'extraordinary' team of volunteers who give their 'time, energy, and hearts' to support the hospice.

And, with anniversary celebrations in full swing, the hospice also made sure to look towards the next 35 years, pre-emptively thanking those who will add to its story in the future.