A VISIT by the grumpy green Grinch failed to cast a shadow over a weekend of Christmas jollity in the Lake District.

The fictional, Mount Crumpit-dwelling creature created by children's author Dr Seuss was brought to life by an almost-unrecognisable Cumbria county councillor Ben Berry for this year's Windermere Christmas Celebration.

Thousands of locals and visitors from far afield warmed up with mulled wine and hot chocolate as they bought local crafts, food and drink from nearly 60 stallholders lining the streets - twice as many as last year.

Father Christmas, two snow cannons and a host of musicians added to the Yuletide atmosphere of the non-profit event. It was organised by Windermere tourist information centre, tour company Mountain Goat - which ran park-and-ride minibuses from Bowness - and Cllr Berry. He donned a Grinch-style, furry green bodysuit and wig for the occasion, as well as full make-up by Jacqui Bassett, of Fancy Fox Face Painting.

"A big part of the event is making people smile," said the Windermere councillor, "and when you can have characters turning up and getting people reacting, it just adds another level of enjoyment."

He told the Gazette the Christmas weekend would not be possible without generous help from local businesses and sponsors, Windermere Town Councillor and the many volunteers involved. "A big thank you to all the marshals and all the Mountain Goat drivers. Everyone worked so hard and it paid off - a great event."

Organisers hope the festival will be back for a third year in December 2018.