THE chief executive of High Speed Two (HS2) Limited has outlined the importance of the project to an audience of South Lakeland business and community leaders.

Simon Kirby has overall responsibility for the development and delivery of the HS2 project and was the keynote speaker at the annual Partners' Networking Dinner hosted by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) and Cumbria Chamber of Commerce.

Following his speech Mr Kirby answered questions about the project from some of the 220 assembled guests at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, on Friday.

The evening was attended by key figures from not only business and commerce but also representatives from education, legal, housing associations and financial organisations.

The guests were treated to entertainment provided by students from the Jazz Vocal Group from Queen Katherine School, Kendal.

There was a welcome from SLDC Chairman, Cllr Sylvia Emmott, who said it had been an “excellent evening’’, adding that there had been some searching questions put to Mr Kirby from the audience following his talk and that she had been particularly impressed by the performance by the Jazz Vocal Group.

Reflecting on the event SLDC Leader Cllr Peter Thornton said: “The partners’ dinner is always a wonderful event and demonstrates this council’s commitment to work with our business community in the best interests of South Lakeland.

Proceeds from night were shared between the catering team at Kendal College and the chairman’s charity, the seated exercise classes organised by Age UK South Lakeland.