MARMALADE fever is set to spread this weekend as the annual festival returns to Cumbria.

Dalemain Mansion, near Penrith, will again hold 'The World's Original Marmalade Awards and Festival' on Saturday and Sunday (February 28 and March 1).

Kicking off National Marmalade Week, the festival is already celebrating this year with its tenth anniversary and a bumper record of entries.

More than 2,600 jars have been sent by preserve makers from as far afield as Australia, Canada, and Japan to be judged in the long-running awards.

Organiser Jane Hasell-McCosh said: "I am deeply grateful to everyone who has entered over the last ten years, whose love of this sticky preserve has enabled the renaissance of marmalade over the last decade.

"We must also look to the future and make sure that the Seville oranges of Seville continue to be grown for this ever increasing market.”

Alongside a whole host of prestigious competitions, visitors will be treated to workshops, question and answer sessions, chef demonstrations and a lecture from food historian Ivan Day.

There will also be a 10k run and plenty of children's activities thanks to a very special appearance from movie star Paddington Bear who will have the opportunity to taste test more than 400 marmalades himself.

And look out on Sunday for the MarmalAshes when jars of the Australian fruity spread will be pitched against those from the UK.

Award winners will be announced on Saturday and the pot to bag the Double Gold title will be offered the unrivalled chance to sit on the shelves of luxury retailer Fortnum and Mason.

"I'm delighted not only by the sheer number of entries into this year’s competition – which exceeds last year but also by the huge take up we've had in the new categories this year, especially the Marmalade 'MacNab' and 'A Stirring of the Clans'," added Ms Hasell-McCosh. "I look forward to celebrating our tenth anniversary with everyone at this year's festival, made possible by our wonderful volunteers and sponsors."

For more information visit www.dalemainmarmaladeawards.co.uk