THE winner of the Lakeland Book of the Year 2014 was revealed today.

It was announced at a special literary luncheon at the Inn on the Lake at Ullswater.

Undressed For Dinner by hotelier and former journalist Simon Temple-Bennett won the main prize.

It tells the story of a London couple buying the then near derelict Augill Castle near Kirkby Stephen.

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In 1997, Simon and his wife Wendy took over the castle and have transformed it into an internationally-renowned hotel which has won several major awards.

The 2014 runner up is Hunting Scraps: The Hunting Diary of CJ Cropper by Sir James Cropper.

Between 1877 and 1924 papermaker Charles James Cropper made more than 300 watercolour drawings of his exploits on the hunting field.

These were carefully pasted into a thick leather bound album to form a record of the country pursuit.

The drawings have now been beautifully reproduced on the highest quality paper made in the Cropper family paper mill at Burneside and accompanied by CJ Cropper's often-humorous descriptive captions.

Category Award Winners 2014: The Striding Edge Prize for Guides and Places awarded to: Canoe & Kayak Guide to North West England - Stuart Miller.

The Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape and Tradition awarded to: It's a Hill, Get Over It - Steve Chilton.

The Zeffirellis Prize for People and Business awarded to: Undressed For Dinner – Simon Temple-Bennett (as above).

The David Winkworth Prize for Illustration and Presentation awarded to: The Hunting Diary of CJ Cropper - Sir James Cropper.

The Bookends Prize for Arts and Literature awarded to: Just What Kind of Mother Are You? - Paula Daly.

Chris Tomlinson nee Collier, the Lakeland Book of the Year organiser, said: ‘’We've had superb support for these awards from people and businesses across Cumbria, this year more than ever, but also throughout the 30 years of the competition's existence.

"Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised for Cumbrian charities in the process. The real star is Hunter Davies himself, who, few people realise, personally funds these awards and ensures they continue.

"No other region in the UK is so fortunate. This is what Cumbria is about - working together to enrich our community.’’

Ian Stephens, MD of Cumbria Tourism, said: ‘’The awards are a constant source of inspiration for all those that love this magnificent county.

"The vast library of books about its people, places, flora and fauna, our rich cultural heritage and full range of factual and fictional writing never ceases to amaze me.

"As we can see from the quality of the entries this year Cumbria truly is an inspirational place.’’