A string of public consultations have been held giving the people of Maryport a voice in a multi-million pound regeneration.

The meetings were held in various locations, including the former Simply Food and Drinks shop on Senhouse Street, the Settlement on High Street and the Wave Centre, with Allerdale council currently putting together a bid to receive a cut of the Government's £1 billion Future High Street Fund.

If successful, the money could be used to improve transport and access into the town, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and more.

Architects Buttress were appointed to design the bid on behalf of the council, and the views of the Maryport community are crucial to the process.

Senior architect, Kimberley Corrall said: "We're here to get a better understanding of what people want from their high street, and what they think would be good for the community area, and what needs improving."

And a Maryport resident, and former business owner, was just one of many who was happy to help, saying: "The town's got great potential, but we need to get families to come here.

"There are so many empty buildings – we need to fill them with things that people want to come to and will use, like public toilets and fun shops."

He added: "The people of Maryport make the town great, so we need to build the town up for the people."

Plans for better signage from the train station, potential shops and new hotels were all displayed at the meetings.

Suggestions for Christ Church were also encouraged, after a series of previously submitted plans have fallen through, including the most recent of turning the historic building into a nightclub.