Pictures by Kevin Moran (apart from trail race pics which are our own)

ADVENTURERS descended on Kendal as the town became the focus for famous thrillseekers from far and wide.

Around 14,000 outdoors enthusiasts are estimated to have come to Kendal Mountain Festival for three days of films, lectures and entertainment.

The festival finished on Sunday night and began with the traditional opening ceremony and film screening outside Kendal Town Hall on Thursday.

Clive Allen, one of the event directors, said ticket sales were up five per cent on last year, bringing more than £2m into the local economy.

“It is a positive increase and we are more than happy with that,” he said.

Mr Allen said he was particularly pleased with how the Basecamp Village, which was set up in a marquee outside the Brewery Arts Centre, had gone down with visitors.

The Basecamp featured stands, exhibits and a bar and cafe, as well as a stage with free talks by stars such as Sir Chris Bonington.

Other highlights included American climber Tommy Caldwell talking about his famous ascent of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite, California, and a surprise appearance by motorcycle racer Guy Martin, who presents Channel 4’s Speed.

Both appeared in front of sell out audiences of 850 at Kendal Leisure Centre.

There was also a series of talks to raise awareness and funds for initiatives helping Nepal deal with the aftermath of its devastating earthquake in April.

The festival also included a one off event featuring French climbers Jeff Mercier and Catherine Destivelle to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 1865, which is thought of as the climax of the “golden age” of mountaineering.

Helm Hill's Tom Addison won the Open Adventure 10km trail race on Saturday morning in a time of 37-32 and was followed home by team mate Ben Procter (40-22). And Helm Hill's Paul Dugdale (43-19) was first V50 in tenth while Jacob Dyer was first V40 finishing 17th in 45-30.

Ambleside's Lou Roberts was first lady and V40 in 47-30, beating Chester Tri's Gill Mead (48-22) by almost a minute. The race, which visits Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar, attracted a field of 270 runners.

Mr Allen said this year’s festival attracted a particularly high number of international speakers and film makers, as well as visitors from across Europe, China, Pakistan and Mexico.

Seventy-six films were shown, with 45 of the film makers coming especially for the event - twice as many as ever before.

Mr Allen said: “I think it means that Kendal is on the map in many respects and it is becoming much more recognised for a film maker to have their film in competition here.”