Scores of competitors took part yesterday in what is known as one of the toughest triathlons in the world.

The Helvellyn Triathlon sees participants begin the event at Jenkins Field and swim across Ullswater before cycling 38 miles to Ambleside and then back to Glenridding via the formidable 'Struggle' to the 1,489 feet summit of the Kirkstone Pass.

They then embark on a nine-mile run to the summit of Helvellyn at 3,118 feet, and back down to the village to the finishing line.

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Richard Attenborough, a member of the Rotary Club of Ambleside, was coffee, tea and flapjack to spectators from his home near the foot of The Struggle to raise money for Rotary's project to try to eradicate polio.

He described it as a 'dry run' for today's Tour of Britain.

Hilary Lewis from the same club will also be selling refeshments from outside her home at Sweden Bridge Lane for the same cause.