Hundreds joined a weekly newspaper’s march as part of its campaign to bring flood-hit care home residents back to a town it serves.

Almost 2,500 supporters have also signed a petition by the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald which calls for the reopening as soon as possible of Edenside care home in Appleby, Cumbria, and the return of its 20 or so residents, who are presently housed in another home in the town of Penrith, some 14 miles away.

The campaign calls for the reopening of Edenside following the emergency evacuation of residents to a home in Penrith during floods in December.

Six months later, Edenside’s owner, Cumbria County Council, has so far refused to say what will happen.

Campaigners on the march organised by the Herald and Appleby Town Council

Hundreds of people took part in the march in Appleby town centre, including Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart.

The march was organised by the Herald in conjunction with the town council.

Editor Colin Maughan said: “We were delighted with the turnout for the march and the number of people who signed the petitions, which equates to 78pc. of Appleby’s population.

“The lack of information from the county council has increased levels of anxiety and frustration for staff, residents and their families.

“We hope the amount of support shown for the campaign will stir the county council into action.”

Appleby mayor John Pape added: “We want our elderly residents to enjoy the remainder of their time in surroundings familiar to themselves and family, and so friends can be close at hand.”