A charity worked in south Cumbria has been paid tribute to following the news of her death.

Jennifer Hughes was a long standing employee at the Bendrigg Trust in Kendal, as well as providing unwavering support to the Cumbria Deaf Association (CDA) and the Kendal Deaf Club.

Jennifer passed away earlier this month on Friday, May 10, with a 'celebration of her life' recently taking place this week on Monday, May 20.

Colleague Karen Edmondson said: "Jennifer enjoyed the conversation, the humour and the laughter at Bendrigg because there was always someone around to share a joke with.

"She always made a point of learning everyone’s names, and making sure I spelt them right!

"Every Monday morning before the team meeting I would go to seek Jennifer out, knowing that she would be enjoying conversation and a cup of tea with her colleagues."

Jennifer first walked through the doors at Bendrigg Lodge in 1999 as a domestic assistant.

Before then, she spent her time working with the pre-school at St Oswald's School in Burneside.

A spokesperson from the CDA commented: "Jennifer was a well-known, much-loved member of the deaf community and will be fondly remembered by many people.

"Jennifer faced life with a smile and hug for everyone and took great care to remember people’s names and details about their families.

"She would always ask about other people’s family and friends, checking everyone was ok."

The Bendrigg Trust thanked those who attended their event in memory of Jennifer on Monday.

They said: "The day was a beautiful way to remember our friend and colleague, and we were overwhelmed with all the kind words shared about her.

"We have no doubt that Jennifer would have appreciated all the donations made in her memory too.

"We will be using the funds raised to continue providing the Bendrigg experience to as many people as we can, but will also use some of the money to plant a tree in Jennifer's honour, here on the Bendrigg grounds, later in the year."

If you would like to donate to this, you can do so by visiting the Trust's website or by texting BENDRIGG to 70085 to donate £5.