The record for a Lake District running challenge, which sees competitors take on 23 peaks in one day, has been broken.

Mark Burley, a member of Macclesfield Harriers & AC and Manchester and District Orienteering Club, completed the 23 Before Tea fell running challenge in six hours and 34 minutes.

Organised by Elterwater Independent Hostel, the new time broke the previous benchmark from earlier this year by eight minutes.

Mr Burley said: "I wasn't very inventive - I looked online at the current fastest known times and found a few places where I could take a slightly more optimum line.

"I did look at the map and consider options of tackling a different set of Wainwrights, and I do think there might potentially be a possible loop which goes solely to the west of the hostel, but in the end I elected to just try and shave some time off the established route.”

The route is not prescribed - runners just have to ensure they complete 23 tops that are in the Wainwrights guide.

Over the last couple of years, the round has been tackled by some of the top long-distance runners, with the record tumbling regularly.

"I think the recent emergence of these 'shorter' rounds are a great way to encourage people out for longer days in the  mountains, providing a challenge that is a bit more accessible than the  24-hour rounds, but still a significant day out to be proud of," Mr Burley added.

Hostel owner Christine Thomas was quick to congratulate Mr Burley on his success and explained that, as a new record-breaker, he would be gifted with a free stay.

She said: "We are thrilled that Mark enjoyed such a good day out, and that our challenge is becoming such a popular one to try.

"We wanted to find something that our visitors could tackle over a few days’ walking from the hostel, but also something that a strong runner might complete in a day."

To find out more about the challenge, previous record-setters and the hostel itself, you can visit their website.