A COMMITTED group working tirelessly to protect the beautiful mountains of the Lake District has received a £3,000 boost.

Fix the Fells will benefit from the generous donation from the Gannett Foundation after an application was successfully made by the Lake District Foundation.

The group, made up of both staff as well as more than 100 volunteers, works to look after the fells and maintain paths.

And this donation will go towards the Fix the Fells Volunteer Lengthsmen 2018 project, which focuses in the South Lakeland region.

James Forrest, a Fix the Fells fundraiser, said that the money was like a 'Christmas present'.

"We are all incredibly grateful for the funding from the Gannett Foundation," he said. "It's going to mean a lot to our cause and make a real difference. Everyone is really excited to receive the good news and excited for what we can do with the money."

Attracting millions of visitors each year, the pounding of hiking boots on the Lake District fells as well as the inclement weather takes its toll and maintenance is essential.

Those involved in Fix the Fells work tirelessly to maintain and repair the paths by pitching paths, clearing drains and re-landscaping erosion.

"They are just really dedicated volunteers who really care about the mountains," James said. "And it's just amazing. They put so much effort in to helping to look after this beautiful place and we are so grateful for everything they do. They are a real asset to the Lake District."

The Lake District Foundation supports and delivers conservation projects and promotes responsible tourism.

Previously known as Nurture Lakeland, it distributes income to organisations like Fix the Fells which help to maintain the landscape.

The £3,000 has been awarded by the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, whose titles include The Westmorland Gazette.

Awards are made to registered charities and in the last ten years the Foundation has donated millions of pounds to charities.