A TEAM of Windermere lads failed by only a whisker to beat their own record in the annual car pull up Kirkstone Pass.

The 14-strong team, known as The Pioneers, came within one second of equalling the 51mins 20 secs record set two years ago.

They competed against a team of prisoner officers from Lancaster Moor open prison to pull a one-ton Fiat car up the three-mile course on Sunday

It was the first time the prison officers had competed in the event, and team captain Shaun Bryant said they were aiming to beat their time of 59mins 10secs next year.

Organiser Dave Reynolds said the prison officers had done well in their first attempt at pulling the car up to the 1,500 ft summit of the pass.

"The local team has never been beaten.

The prison officers were big lads but while they had the weight, we had the stamina," he added.

The proceeds of the 19th annual event will go towards a gymnasium in Windermere.

Mr Reynolds praised the support given by the RAC and police, as well as the landlord of the Kirkstone Pass Inn, Walter Alexander, who laid on refreshments.