THE Brathay Trust has been boosted by £9,200 raised from sales of The Wainwright Society's 2015 calendar.

The society has now handed over a total £10,700 to the outdoor activity organisation, which was its charity of the year for 2014.

The cash has enabled the trust to initiate a Taster Weekends project. Three further weekends are planned for 2015 and again in 2016.

The trust is now in discussion with a number of secondary schools in West Cumbria so parties of disadvantaged youngsters from the area can have their first taste of the Lakeland fells.

Brathay Exploration Trust chairman, Malcolm Tillyer said: "Brathay Exploration Trust is extremely grateful to The Wainwright Society for naming us as their 2014 charity of the year and for their tremendous fundraising efforts on our behalf.

"The £10,700 will enable us to run our free of charge ‘Taster Weekend’ programme for at least two years - allowing youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds to get a ’taste’ of what we do and to appreciate the wonderful Lakes environment."

Photo Caption: (L_R) Jenny Whalley, Caroline Nichol, Malcolm Tillyer (Chairman of BET) & Eric Robson (Chairman of The Wainwright Society) presenting a cheque for £10.700.