AN annual event which contributes £1.97m to South Lakeland’s economy was praised as ‘amazing’ when it picked up a top award this week.

November’s Kendal Mountain Festival, considered the largest mountain film festival in the world, draws 8,000 visitors and the cream of adventure film-makers, mountaineers and outdoor lovers.

Now, a scheme run by Action for Market Towns has awarded the event the honour of ‘Best Project for the UK’ for the west region in the environment and culture category.

The awards seek to recognise successful market towns across the country and inspire others to show innovation and endeavour to make them thriving and exciting places to live and visit.

Judge Mark Davies said: “What an amazing project.

“In a small town in Cumbria how many would have thought it could ever happen?

“It’s a real demonstration of hard work to create a festival and experience like no other.”

Robin Ashcroft, one of the festival’s directors, said the three-and-a-half day spectacle was a good example of what could be achieved in a rural town.

“This event more than holds its own alongside events in London or similar events worldwide,” he added.

“We really are a very major player in the international mountain film scene and have absolutely put Kendal on the world map.”

Kendal Mountain Festival is registered as a Community Interest Company, meaning all its profits are reinvested back into the event.

In addition to November’s attraction, organisers provide school projects, offer the film-maker training programmes of the Adventure Film Academy and run the Best of Kendal Film Tour, which, throughout 2012, saw the festival’s films screened on every continent.

This year’s event takes place between November 15-18.

Action for Market Towns is holding its annual convention in Kendal in October, with more than 200 delegates from towns across the UK expected to attend.

The organisation’s objective is to support rural towns in developing thriving, multi-functional communities and local economies.

One fifth of the UK’s population live in market towns.