Two Cumberland Building Society branches celebrated landmark birthdays recently: the Longtown branch marked 40 years since opening in 1984, while the Carlisle Rosehill branch toasted its 35th year, having opened in 1989.

Customers were treated to birthday cake at both branches.

The Longtown branch had an additional reason to celebrate, as customer service assistant, Liz Ward, marked 40 years of working there.

It was a double celebration in the Longtown branch, as customer service assistant Liz Ward celebrated 40 yearsIt was a double celebration at the Longtown branch, as customer service assistant Liz Ward celebrated 40 years of working there (Image: Jenny Woolgar Photography)

Ms Ward said: "Of course, banking has evolved over time and it’s a completely different work environment now.

"I think the office has been completely refurbished and changed around about three times.

"I love it and the customers are lovely."

Barry Ridley, cluster manager for Brampton, Dalston, Haltwhistle, and Longtown, said he was delighted to celebrate with the team at Longtown.

He said: "It’s a really proud moment for the Cumberland to have had a branch here for 40 years.

"We have outlived all the major banks that were here in Longtown and we’re continuing to be an important part of the community."

Carlisle cluster manager, Victoria Rose, noted that the Rosehill branch's location on Carlisle's outskirts made it possible for customers to be helped without the need to travel into the city.

Celebrations also took place at the Annan branch (50 years) and Dumfries branch (40 years).