Keswick welcomed teams from Southport and Cockermouth on Sunday to a festival of rugby that attracted more than 160 players aged between 6 and 15 and an equal number of spectators.

The event was a great success with excellent rugby demonstrated in all age groups beneath the blue skies of a beautiful spring day at Davidson Park.

Festival organiser Rob Moir presented Southport with a Keswick Rugby Club plaque and it was agreed the event should become an annual fixture in the calendar of both clubs.

Keswick’s newly formed youth committee did a fantastic job of hosting the festival and raised money for the club’s junior teams via raffles and cake sales.

On the day, however, it was Keswick’s under 9s, 10s and 11s who received the best treat.

John Wilson, of Cumbria-based Lawyers Baines Wilson, presented the teams with a new strip, generously sponsored by the firm.

Keswick Under 9s coach Tim Green said: “Although we have a great group of parents committed to fund raising for the junior sides we do rely on the generosity of companies and couldn’t provide a new strip for the three age groups if it wasn’t for Baines Wilson.

"t’s been a really enjoyable day of rugby and I particularly enjoyed the reception the players gave to John when he came down to present them with their new shirts.”

Alan Weightman, head of youth rugby, said: “It’s a great time to be involved with youth rugby in the town.

"We currently field teams in every age group; we’ve experienced an increase in numbers of players and coaches for four consecutive seasons and now have an enthusiastic and active youth committee.

"There is a really positive community feeling at the rugby club and we’re always very pleased to welcome new players.”