SHOPS in Kendal are being urged to go comic crazy and transform their shop windows into mini works of art.

The idea is to prepare the town for the first ever Lakes International Comic Art Festival taking place over October 18-20.

Organisers want to see comic art themed window displays and for shops to link up with creative young people to make it happen - from nursery age toddlers to college students.

The aim is to create a vibrant atmosphere for festival-goers and a chance for young people to get involved in the fun.

Already 14 schools, colleges and groups involving young people have got onboard, and more than 30 businesses.

Those signed up include; Kendal College, Furness College, Dallam School and Queen Katherine School, primary schools such as Castle Park, Vicarage Park and St Thomas’, as well as cubs from First Kendal Cubs.

Even little ones from Brantfield Nursery will be getting involved.

The businesses include Farrers, B&M Harrison, Game, Waterstones, Gear, Kendal Sports, Kitchen Showroom and Indigo Furnishings.

However, festival organisers are still looking for more groups of young people from across South Lakeland, and other businesses to get involved.

Festival Director Julie Tait says: 'This will be a key element in making Kendal feel like a festival town in the way you see at similar European events, so we want to get comic art into as many windows as possible.'

One of the schools taking part is Settlebeck School, in Sedbergh, to show it's not just Kendal schools that have to get involved.

They have been teamed up with Kendal clothing retailer Fat Face.

Sophie Fish from Settlebeck School said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for local kids to showcase their creative skills to an audience at an international festival.”

Steve Dixon from Fat Face said: “This is something fresh for Kendal that is outside the norm.'

There will be prizes for the best displays and all the businesses will feature on a special festival map.

One of the festival's founder partners is South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

Peter Thornton, SLDC leader, said: 'I was a keen reader of comics whilst I was growing up in Kendal and the thought of my comic heroes coming to the town that I love is very exciting indeed!

'But this will bring more than fun and excitement, it will also bring lots of visitors and boost our economy at a time when towns like Kendal are looking for events such as these.

'We are very lucky to have Julie Tait and her team organising this festival and I wish them every success.'

Schools, youth groups and businesses who would like to get involved should contact Justin justin@comicartfestival.com.

More than 50 writers and artists will be coming to the festival and taking part in more than 50 events.

As well as the ticketed events, there will be a number of free exhibitions, including work by founder patrons Bryan Talbot and Sean Phillips, and free activities in a special Family Zone.

More details are available at www.comicartfestival.com on Twitter @comicartfest or by liking the Lakes International Comic Art Festival Facebook page.