The crackers contained hand-written abusive slogans

An internal inquiry has started after partygoers in Cumbria pulled their crackers to find four-letter word insults instead of traditional jokes.

County Durham-based party supplier Thompson Medd has apologised and said it will sack those responsible.

Bosses at the Bishop Auckland factory, confirmed scribbled messages were discovered in crackers used at a party at a hotel in Cockermouth

Those attending included employees of local businesses and about 50 staff from Allerdale Borough Council.

Thompson Medd managing director Paul Thompson said: "All I can do is apologise to those involved.

"We are looking into this and treating it very seriously.

"If we find those responsible they will certainly be dismissed."

Thompson Medd employs 36 staff on the St Helen's Auckland industrial estate, but contracts out some work.

Mr Thompson said his company had a good reputation and had been based in County Durham since 1968.

He said he had been given the batch number of crackers involved in the prank and was confident he would trace those responsible.