A major south Cumbrian employer says it is continuing its manufacturing operations for now, despite the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

James Cropper Plc makes luxury papers and packaging, while its Technical Fibre Products arm produces highly specified materials for use in a wide range of sectors.

It employs around 500 people on its site in Burneside, near Kendal.

Chief executive Phil Wild said it was continuing to operate "for now".

He said: “As a company we are following the rules set out by the Government and for now are continuing to manufacture.

"Across our three businesses, we are a supplier to essential defence, medical and packaging sectors.

"Of course, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families and as such all staff who can, are now working from home.

"The only employees working on site are those with production roles, or roles which directly support our manufacturing.

"All team members on site are stringently following the social distancing protocol.”