A PROJECT to repair footpaths leading to the summit of The Old Man of Coniston has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award.

Nurture Lakeland has put forward the project in a bid to win £28,000 of funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Agency.

It must now win a public vote, which opens on March 8 and closes on March 22 in competition with other projects from around the world.

If successful, the award will enable the Fix the Fells programme to repair one of the most popular routes in the Lake District which runs from Goat's Water to the summit of the Old Man of Coniston. The route is heavily eroded in places from the pressure of walkers.

The European Outdoor Conservation Agency is a group of businesses in the European outdoor industry that have come together to raise funds to put directly into conservation projects worldwide.

Karen Mitchell, Director of Nurture Lakeland said: "We need everyone we know to get ready to vote for us – friends, family, colleagues, businesses, visitors - anyone who knows and loves the Lake District. Look out for further news from us via Twitter and Facebook about how to vote."

The restoration project will reduce erosion scarring and protect vulnerable vegetation and landscapes on the Old Man. Sediment from footpath erosion causes problems in streams and lakes downstream and rare vegetation and rock features are at risk of being damaged when walkers stray from the path.

The funding would be used to employ four highly-skilled lengthsmen to repair the path using traditional techniques, and support 20 dedicated Fix the Fells volunteers who would maintain the repaired path.

The work would be undertaken from August to October and would keep this famous path in good repair for future generations to enjoy.

Visit www.nurturelakeland.org for further details.