It was a dream come true for staff and volunteers at one of Cumbria's animal rescues as their new purpose-built centre was finally opened.

The ribbon at Eden Animal Rescue's new £1 million home was cut on Sunday with a huge crowd made up of fundraisers, supporters and the local community turning out to see the historic moment.

The new centre is at Moorlands Head Farm, Newbiggin, near Penrith, and will allow the charity to cater for more animals in expertly-designed facilities.

Cats, dogs and rabbits that are currently under the charity's care will now be moved to their new home from Hardendale, near Shap, a place they've rented for more than 10 years.

Caroline Holland, the centre's chairman, said: "It's unreal to finally be here.

"We started this process about two years ago when we became aware that we had some legacy money coming to us. We thought the best way forward was to build a new place because we were renting."

The new sites comes with a host of benefits.

It has capacity for about 20 adult dogs and up to 50 cats, the cattery and kennels are all in one location so cats and dogs won't be spread out in several different places was previously the case, it will be easier to clean, more accessible, cheaper to run and comes with five acres of grassland for the rescue animals to enjoy.

"This place was exactly what we wanted," Caroline added.

The charity had an offer accepted on the plot in November 2014 and afterwards started work on gaining planning permission with the green light being given in April last year.

Building work was delayed because of the damage caused to the Eden Valley during Storm Desmond with the diggers finally being able to get in around February.

Scores of people brought along the dogs they were able rehome after being in the centre as well as other supporters and small army of volunteers the charity has attracted.

Among them was Joanne Burgess who'd brought along her 10-year-old daughter Grace O'Hara and dog Rose.

"She was a rescue dog," said Grace.

"I had never been to the centre in Shap so I can't compare but this place is absolutely great and it's even better that so many people are here to support it."

Despite enjoying a good level of support from its staff, volunteers and trustees Caroline said that they could still do with more.

Anyone interested in offering to help out should call 01931 716114.