AMBLESIDE'S second Festival of the Fells was a huge success – that’s the verdict of the organisers and the visitors.

Adventure enthusiasts poured into town in their hundreds for the four day event celebrating life in and around the fells and lakes, for talks, films, outdoor events, guided walks and swims.

One of the most popular was a dog walk with social media stars Max and Paddy attended by around 200 owners and their dogs, mostly springer spaniels. The walk raised nearly £1,000 for the charity Freedom Wizard.

There was standing room only for talks by fell runner Wendy Dodds, of Milnthorpe, who runs for Clayton-le-Moors Harriers, and copper-mines expert Mark Hatton who also led a walk above Coniston.

Zeffirellis was the venue for a selection of mountain-based films, along with headlining events featuring climber Alan Hinkes, polar explorer Craig Mathieson, and film-maker Terry Abraham.

A two-day farmers’ market was packed and both stall-holders and shoppers said they hoped it would become a regular feature.

In the Market Cross square a comedy play based on the new Gruff Guide to Ambleside was performed, and there was live music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Festival trail race over Wansfell was won by Alun Beckett, of Preston Harriers, followed by Keswick's Rupert Bonington and Ambleside's Paul Knowles. First woman was Sally Houghton.

Chairman of the organising committee Andrew Hewitt said that the festival was a huge success. “All the events were really well-attended and there was a terrific buzz around the town all weekend. What we need now are more volunteers to come along and help us make this an annual event.”

He paid tribute to the sponsors, including headline sponsor company Heart of the Lakes, for their financial backing and active support.

Visitors also enjoyed guided walks into the high Lakeland fells with treks up onto and around the Fairfield Horsehoe and into the Langdales.