A top government official will speak to staff and students at Kendal College today.

Sir Nick Macpherson's worked with the Treasury since 2005.

The talk's been arranged by the charity Speakers for Schools - which aims to broaden young people's horizons on career options.

Sinead Kay, Business and Accountancy Lecturer at Kendal College, said: “We’re delighted that Sir Nick is coming up to Kendal College. He’s held one of the most senior positions in the Treasury for more than a decade and will have a wealth of wisdom to pass on to our students.

“These visits are a great way to inspire and influence our young people and, as well as hearing from Sir Nick, students will also be able to ask questions in a Q&A session to learn from him.”

The Lake District National Park has decided not to adopt the Boat Safety Scheme, saying it's "not an effective comprehensive method of addressing the important issue of boat safety".

The authority says while it supports many of the scheme’s initiatives, they alone wouldn't necessarily ensure public safety.

Their reasons include that the scheme doesn't have a mandatory condition to install a carbon monoxide or smoke detector on-board.

Other reasons include that the BSS inspection is only conducted every four years - which would "not necessarily ensure safety of users".

An LDNPA spokesperson said: "As part of our lake management, we believe the best way to ensure boat users understand how to stay safe on a boat is through the education rather than enforcement.

"Although we will not be adopting the BSS, we will be ensuring boat users on LDNP property have third party liability insurance prior to setting out onto a lake – these include Coniston and Ullswater moorings. However it does not include Windermere, as this is managed by South Lakeland District Council and private moorings, many of which already have an insurance requirement in place."

South Lakeland District Council's part of the council tax bill will go up 2.8% in April.

Previously, it'd been though it would be frozen this year.

SLDC says the increase will help protect frontline services, like the roll-out of kerbside recycling.

The authority says for more than two-thirds of households it'll mean paying less than £5 extra across 2016/17.

Savings have been made by improving back-office efficiences, whilst SLDC says the £1.4million cost to it from the recent floods was met with general reserves.

SLDC Leader Councillor Peter Thornton said: “The extra £5 a year on a Band D property bill equates to less than 10 pence per week and is consistent with the government’s expectations.
 
“It is a modest increase after five years of a Council Tax freeze and allows us to protect front line services yet continue to deliver service improvements and provide extra support for the district’s economic development.
 
“Due to our sound financial management over the years we are well positioned to deal with the tough financial times ahead and the ‘safety nets’ we have built in to our budget planning means that things like the cost of the recent flooding can be met from our reserves, which means we do not have to pass these costs on in higher Council Tax bills.
 
“We have also identified savings for future years so we continue to balance the books and can maintain our long-term strategies on creating jobs, prosperity and more affordable rented homes.’’

This year's 'No Wood Low Wood' cardboard boat race was officially launched earlier today.

The event on the 14th of May sees amateurs construct vessels made of card and tape and take to Windermere at the Low Wood Bay marina.

It'll be raising money for St. Mary's Hospice in Ulverston.

You can register by clicking on the event's website.

BELOW: Things began well when Ben Berry took to Windermere earlier...

BELOW: However, the "sea monster" was waiting...

BELOW: ...and Mr. Berry's boat soon started taking on water...

BELOW: What was left of the boat was walked back to shore...

BELOW: This year's event is sponsored by Progression Solicitors and in support of St. Mary's Hospice...

As the deadline for applying for financial support from the EU Solidarity Fund for flood-hit communities fast approaches, the Government have been forced into a dramatic U-turn by local MPs.

Since the recent floods and severe weather, Copeland MP Jamie Reed and South Lakes MP Tim Farron have been pressuring the Government to apply for financial support from the European Union.

Repeated letters, parliamentary questions and discussions with Ministers had suggested that the Government were refusing to apply for support, but with just a day before the deadline, ministers have had a change of heart.

Mr Farron said: “I am delighted that the government has finally decided to apply for this money. The government has prevaricated for far too long, but has finally decided to apply.

“This is a big win for everyone who signed the petition and supported the campaign. Local people have shown overwhelming support in favour of applying for this money, and although it took months of constant lobbying and a trip to Brussels, I am glad that the government has finally listened.

“We now need to make sure that the money which is granted actually reaches the areas that most need it, rather than remaining with central government. This money is desperately needed to help flood-hit areas rebuild infrastructure and repair damage following the devastating impact of the floods.”

"We think we'll get something in the region of £125m-£150m. We have a £25m flood defence scheme that we're putting in - it could fund that. We know we need the A591 opened far earlier than the end of May when the Government are currently planning to do that - it could help us to do that. It could also help many of the hundreds, indeed thousands of people across Cumbria who are out of their homes and who are in real need," said Mr Farron. 

Delighted the govt has finally apply at the 11th hour for EU flood funding.But dragging their feet over fears of the EU has hurt the North

— Tim Farron (@timfarron) February 25, 2016

EU funding will make a big difference to places throughout the North & in Southern Scotland. @libdems banged the drum on this & a great win!

— Tim Farron (@timfarron) February 25, 2016

Mr Reed said: “Finally, the Government has seen sense and, after intense pressure from me, will apply for much needed financial support from the European Union Solidarity Fund.

“I’ve repeatedly made the case to the Government of the benefit to Cumbria that could be achieved through accessing this much needed support and I’m glad they’ve finally listened.  The deadline for applying is the end of the week so they’ve cut it fine.

“We need to be clear, any support from the EU is additional resource for flood-hit communities.  It must not be used by the Government as a substitute for their own responsibilities to those affected.  The Government should be under no illusion of the scale of what is needed.  Cumbria needs half a billion pounds to just stand still without taking into account the resilience and infrastructure improvements that are clearly necessary.

“This important and necessary support from our EU partners further demonstrates the benefit to Cumbria of remaining in the European Union.”

Cumbria Police have arrested five men and one woman in connection with non-recent physical abuse, sexual abuse and child neglect offences reported to have taken place at Underley Hall School in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The arrests were made in Cumbria, Lancashire and West Yorkshire yesterday (Wednesday).

Five of those arrested have been released on bail.

One is still being questioned by police.

A further two men have been arrested in Cumbria today in connection with the same reports.

The arrests have been made as part of Operation Tweed - an investigation that was launched by Cumbria Constabulary in July 2014.

Superintendent for South Cumbria, Rob O’Connor, said: “This continues to be a complex investigation with a team of dedicated detectives following a number of lines of enquiry. Detectives have diligently and painstakingly gathered and analysed a large amount of evidence and have traced and interviewed a significant number people, many of whom are now living in areas across the country and abroad.  

“This investigative work continues on a daily basis, as would be expected by victims for a case so serious and far-reaching. Cumbria Constabulary are committed to dealing with all reports of abuse that have been made.

"It is never too late to report abuse, and all reports will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.”

Cumbria Police can be contacted on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A pilot project which provides free internet access in the centre of Kendal is set to be rolled-out to other town centres in South Lakeland.

SLDC's project saw shoppers log on to the free Wi-Fi more than 22,000 times between March 2015 and the end of the year.

The scheme allows anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled device to log on to the internet for no charge.

Following consultation with Regional Network Solutions, who have guided similar schemes in Carlisle and York, the council is now looking to expand the internet coverage and introduce it into other town centres in the district, potentially including Ulverston, Ambleside, Bowness and Windermere.

During the pilot period almost 12,000 people signed up to the service, which saw the installation of five antenna around Kendal and offers coverage on the main streets in the town centre.

Moving forward, there is an annual maintenance fee of around £6,000 and the expansion of the scheme into other towns would mean additional costs. And so the council is in discussion with existing Wi-Fi providers who would take on the operation of the Wi-Fi. This would allow continued free access, with revenue generated through advertising.

Cllr Giles Archibald, portfolio holder for economic growth, town centres and small businesses, said: “Internet access brings obvious positives to the many thousands of people who visit the district, whether they are on a shopping trip, leisure break or business.

“By embracing this new technology we can help enhance the visitor experience to our town centres. We hope this will mean people want to spend longer there, making town centres more vibrant and economically-viable.

“This is an ambitious initiative and if we can pull it off, South Lakeland will be one of the first areas in the country to have such widely-available free internet access. This will help meet the digital ambitions of the area and demonstrate the council’s commitment to supporting town centres and the local economy.”

SLDC is in consultation with a number of interested Wi-Fi providers, with the hope that work can begin on the service during July 2016.

The chosen provider will be given access to SLDC and Cumbria County Council assets, where antenna can be located. In return for offering the free Wi-Fi, income will be generated through sponsorship of the ‘landing page’, where interested businesses will also be able to purchase advertising space.

The final list of towns where the service will be available has not been confirmed and will be part of the ongoing discussions with potential providers.

A video introduction of the scheme can be seen below.

The Tour of Britain will return to the Lake District this year, as Cumbria hosts the second stage of British Cycling's premier road cycling event on Monday the 5th of September.

Stage Two will begin up in Carlisle city centre, heading through Penrith, Cockermouth, Keswick and Ambleside, before the finish at the top of the testing 11% climb of Beast Banks in Kendal.

The proposed 195-kilometre route includes the climbs of Whinlatter Pass above Derwent Water, averaging 4% over its six-kilometre length and the iconic climb of The Struggle, which will be inside the final 30-kilometres of racing, rising from Ambleside to the Kirkstone Pass at an average gradient of 8%.

Cllr David Southward, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "We're delighted that the Tour is coming back to Cumbria. It's one of the country's premier sporting events and I hope this announcement underlines that Cumbria is very much 'open for business' following December's floods. This year's stage will doubtless provide an exciting sporting spectacle and showcase the best of Cumbria's communities and landscape. The economic boost it brings the county is significant, with the 2015 race generating a net economic benefit of £3.4m we hope the 2016 edition will have a similar impact..

The race has twice before finished at Beast Banks in Kendal, in 2007 and most recently in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek outsprinted Sam Bennett in a memorable finale. Cllr Peter Thornton, Leader of South Lakeland District Council said: "I welcome the announcement that the Tour of Britain will once again return to Cumbria, for what is sure to be a thrilling stage culminating in a finish in the centre of Kendal. At South Lakeland District Council we are thankful to the Tour of Britain for making the decision to return to our region so soon after their previous visit.

"In 2013, the Cumbria stage was described as one of the best in the Tour's history, and we intend to be even better this time around. Our region was hard-hit by December's storms and many residents are still feeling the effects, but the return of the Tour will provided a boost and we are excited to once again showcase this beautiful part of the country.”

 
Commenting on the Cumbria stage, Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said: "We are delighted to be returning to the heart of Cumbria and the Lake District with the Tour of Britain so we can once again showcase the fantastic scenery and celebrate the local communities we will pass through, particularly as so many were badly affected by the winter floods.  The stage will combine previously unvisited roads for the race and new climbs like Whinlatter Pass and the Struggle up to Kirkstone Pass, while we will also be including locations such as Carlisle, Penrith and Cockermouth, which are very familiar from previous editions of the Tour of Britain.

"The finish in Kendal at the top of the Beast Banks climb provided a memorable finish during the 2013 Tour, so we are confident it will again provide a fitting finale to this tough stage.”

The Tour of Britain will begin in Glasgow on Sunday the 4th of September and finish in the heart of London on the 11th of September. Following on from the Cumbrian stage the race will re-start in Congleton, Cheshire East on Tuesday the 6th of September for a stage to Tatton Park, Knutsford.

Subsequent stages will take the race to Wales and the South West of England, including a summit finish at Haytor on Dartmoor and a challenging circuit race in Bristol on the penultimate day.

Jonny Clay, British Cycling director of cycle sport and membership, said: "We are proud to announce the 2016 route for Britain's national tour. Every year the Tour of Britain offers a  chance for the public to see some of the world's best road riders racing through their local area. Last year's race had a bit of everything; fast flat sections, rolling roads and a great hill top finish which led to exciting racing for the competitors and fans alike. .This year's route has all the same ingredients, so promises to be a great event.”

For the fifth successive year fans can look forward to enjoying daily live coverage of all eight stages on ITV4, with the channel broadcasting a three-hour live programme from each stage, plus one-hour of highlights every evening during the race.

Photos: Courtesy of SweetSpot

An environmental project near Kendal is one of two Cumbrian schemes that's in with a chance of winning thousands of pounds - but it needs local votes to secure the cash.

The Cumbria Wildlife Trust wants to create a traditional orchard, improve an existing woodland and build a new all-access boardwalk at Foulshaw Moss nature reserve.

It's up against a project at Carlisle, and votes can be cast at Tesco stores in Ambleside, Kendal and Bowness between this Friday and the 6th of March.

Votes for Foulshaw Moss would enable 125 metres of new all-access boardwalk to be installed, creating a new trail for people of all levels of mobility in an area that cannot currently be accessed.

The money would also pay for a high-quality telescope on-site year-round for people visiting the nature reserve to use, giving people an amazing close-up view of the wildlife which can be seen at the nature reserve, and a new information board and leaflet will be created.

Michelle Waller, Development Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “Wildlife and wild places are so important to the wellbeing of all of us and Cumbria Wildlife Trust is always striving not only to protect what precious wildlife we have but to make it accessible to as many people as possible. By voting for either ‘Gosling Sike Farm’ or ‘Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve’ people are making a contribution to their community that everyone can enjoy regardless of physical or financial ability. Please get to your local Tesco this week and make a difference!”

Cumbria's temporary Chief Constable Michelle Skeer has spoken publicly about what she says are “outrageous and inaccurate” claims that she is being investigated for alleged corruption.

Mrs Skeer has released a statement, after national media reports suggested she was the subject of both misconduct and corruption investigations.

She says neither claim is true, but she did admit that she is the subject of a complaint from a member of the public, which also involves 20 other officers.

The corruption and misconduct claims made in the national media surfaced after controversy surrounding the suspicious death of Barrow toddler Poppi Worthington in 2012 of toddler. 

According to a leaked report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, an investigation into the tragedy carried out by Cumbria police was neither sufficiently diligent nor prompt.

It is also claimed that Mrs Skeer's response to a High Court judge's criticism of the investigation was not satisfactory.

In her statement, Mrs Skeer speaks out about the inaccuracies. 

“The Constabulary recorded a complaint from a member of the public on the 6th July 2015 where it is alleged that I investigated and processed her complaint, it is national protocol for an external force to review the complaint when this is made against a Chief Officer in the interest of transparency and fairness.

"I am unable to give full details of the public complaint whilst this is still under review by Northumbria Police, however I can confirm that I do not personally investigate complaints, this is delegated to the Head of Professional Standards Department.

“I can also confirm that this public complaint is not an investigation into misconduct or corruption in public office and I take exception with Mr John Woodcock’s comments as they are grossly misleading and irresponsible.

“It is important for the complaint process to take its course, once this has been resolved then the full details will be published and I will speak further at this point.

However, the Barrow MP has hit back at Mrs Skeer's statement on Twitter. 

Mrs Skeer's statement continues below: 

"I, like many, have been shocked about the criticisms raised by Judge Jackson into the initial police investigation into the death of 13-month-old Poppi Worthington.

“A lot has been reported over the past month about myself and Cumbria Constabulary.

"Due to ongoing proceedings the Constabulary are unable to comment in any detail regarding the initial police investigation concerning the tragic death of Poppi.

"There will be a second inquest which could be heard by a jury, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are currently reviewing the case and the Constabulary’s disciplinary proceedings are also ongoing.

“I acknowledge the public interest around this case and agree there are questions for the force to answer.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that as soon as the aforementioned proceedings have been completed, we will speak to members of the media and answer questions about the Constabulary’s actions.

“However I would like to provide some clarity around some of the inaccuracies that have been reported about my role within the investigation into Poppi’s death.

“Poppi tragically died in December 2012,I became involved in this in March 2014 when the first family court hearing was being held. In April 2014, the Constabulary received the finding of fact judgement from the original family court hearing.

"This was 17 months after the original investigation began. I was not involved in that original investigation. 

“As soon as I was aware of the serious concerns expressed about the original investigation I asked the then Head of Crime to look into the details so I could make a considered assessment.  

"I instructed a second, new, investigation to be conducted into Poppi’s death which was to be led by a more experienced Detective Superintendent.

“This second investigation, was a thorough investigation which reviewed every available piece of evidence.

"The file from this second investigation was sent to the CPS, who decided two people were to be released without charge.

"The CPS are currently reviewing this file again.

"Evidence obtained during the second investigation was shared with the Family Court in advance of the second Finding of Fact hearing, the judgment of which was released in January of this year.  

"Judge Jackson has not been critical of this second investigation.

“The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigated the force’s handling of the original investigation following a referral that was instigated by myself.

"I was interviewed as a witness as part of their evidence gathering into the alleged gross misconduct of three officers involved.

“At no point during that IPCC investigation was I investigated for misconduct nor was my honesty or integrity ever called into question.

“Poppi’s tragic death occurred in 2012, there are questions to be answered and we will answer them once legal proceedings have been concluded and the IPCC report has been published.

A Cumbrian man accused of being involved in a huge cocaine supply plot told police he was not involved - and claimed he had been "set up".

28-year-old Jordan Graham is one of two men on trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

Both he and 31-year-old John Lawrence deny conspiring to supply cocaine to others as part of a criminal enterprise which saw drugs transported into Cumbria from other areas of the North West.

Police seized illegal substances with a potential value approaching £1 million between April and September last year.

They were targeting a drugs ring being run from prison with the use of smuggled phones.

The cocaine recovered was said to have been destined for Carlisle and major towns in the county.

But when he was quizzed by police, Graham, of Church Street, Barrow, said he was not involved in supplying the class A drug.

One packet of high purity high cocaine, with a possible value of almost £30,000 and bearing the name "Jord", was seized from a car stopped by police near Kendal.

But in an interview, Graham insisted that had nothing to do with him.

"I can see what you are making out there," he told officers.

"That is not my stuff.

"Oh my God, I am getting set up for something you know."

Graham went on: "I am not involved in any cocaine conspiracy at all."

Lawrence, of St Helens, also denies part in the plot.

The trial continues.

The EU Referendum debate is already raging and a group that wants the UK to remain is in Kendal this afternoon.

The cross-party Forward in Europe campaign will be handing out leaflets between 2pm and 4pm at the Birdcage.

The vote that'll decide whether the UK stays in or leaves the European Union will take place on the 23rd of June.

*

It's Fairtrade Fortnight and the event is being marked across south Cumbria over the next two weeks.

Things kick off in Ulverston - where the local Fairtrade Group is running a coffee morning between 9.30am and 11.30am at the Coro'.

The Fairtrade movement is about getting better prices and working conditions for suppliers from abroad.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust’s (UHMBT) Flu Fighter team has been shortlisted for two national awards, after exceeding a national target to vaccinate 75% of frontline staff against flu.

The Trust’s Flu Fighter team has been shortlisted in the ‘Most improved flu fighter campaign’ and ‘Innovative flu fighter campaign’ categories of the NHS Flu Fighters awards 2015/16.

These national awards look to celebrate those organisations that have led successful local flu campaigns.

The ‘Most improved flu fighter campaign’ recognises NHS Trusts that have shown notable improvements in staff uptake from previous years and the ‘Innovative flu fighter campaign’ celebrates Trusts that have implemented new and exciting strategies to improve staff vaccination rates.

The UHMB Flu Fighter team have already vaccinated over 78% of frontline staff, an increase of 15% on 2014, with the team using link nurses to attend wards and departments at all hours to vaccinate as many staff as possible, a competition between the Clinical divisions to vaccinate the most staff, and widespread promotional publicity including a “flu conga” video.

Representatives from the Trust will attend the awards ceremony in Leeds on Wednesday 22 March where the winners will be announced.

David Wilkinson, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, UHMBT, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the team have been nominated for these prestigious national awards – this is an achievement in its own right and reflects the hard work and commitment the team have shown to protect our patients, our employees and their families and friends against flu.

"They would be deserved winners, and I look forward to hearing how they do.

“This year we have vaccinated 2,647 individuals and I would like to thank our Flu Fighter team for all their hard work, and also every staff member who had the flu vaccination and did their bit too.

"Our campaign was built around the flu conga publicity and poster campaign – we set the staff a challenge to “Flu, flu, flu, come on and get the flu jab” and it is evident from our uptake that they responded really positively”.

The Trust, together with Monitor, the regulator for health services in England, has confirmed that Gill Walton has been appointed as the Maternity Improvement Director at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust  (UHMBT).

Gill, an experienced Director of Midwifery, will join the Trust, for a period of up to six months.

Gill will work alongside the existing Improvement Director and the Trust Leadership Team to help ensure the required maternity improvements identified by the Care Quality Commission last year are fully implemented, and that the quality of services continues to improve in a sustainable way. 

Gill has led several maternity change programmes, and is a member of both Professional Advisory Groups at Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Royal College of Midwives. 

Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive, UHMBT, said she is delighted with the appointment.

"Her experience will be of great benefit as we continue with our immediate ambitions of ensuring all of our maternity services are rated ‘good’, at the very least. 

“We have continued to make good progress in improving our maternity services, and are nearing the end of fully implementing all of the recommendations from last year’s Kirkup Report.

"However, there are a number of key areas that need further work and Gill’s input and oversight will be invaluable. 

Gill Walton, Maternity Improvement Director, said: “I am looking forward to working with Monitor and the team at Morecambe Bay.

"Part of my role will be to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Trust, and I know from initial discussions that the teams are as passionate as I am about providing the very best standards of care for the women and families of Morecambe Bay.”

Door step collection of plastic and cardboard has been postponed in Windermere, after originally being promised for March 2016.

South Lakeland District Council had originally hoped to roll out the service to Windermere, Central Lakes, Staveley and possibly Grange over Sands by the end of next month.

Residents will have to continue to take recycling to drop sites for up to additional year, having already waited since 2012.

The Authority has come under particular criticism for not telling residents or Councillors how the updated timetable would affect them. 

Windermere Conservative Ben Berry decried the postponement and said he was bitterly disappointed. 

"This is a service we have all been very excited about getting ever since Kendal residents starting receiving it in 2012.

"To postpone the roll out and not tell me or anyone else is infuriating and disappointing."

The updated timetable for Windermere came to light after Ben enquired after a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 24th February.

Councillor Sue Sanderson defended the postponement saying the timetable that had been published was only a "rough" version and the decision was for "logistical reasons". 

It's Fairtrade Fortnight and the event is being marked across south Cumbria over the next two weeks.

Things kicked off in Ulverston yesterday.

Today, there'll be a service at Braithwaite Parish Church this evening organised by a group called Fairtrade Churches Together in Keswick.

The Fairtrade movement is about getting better prices and working conditions for suppliers from abroad.

The Kentmere ward at the Westmorland General Hospital has been awarded the Full Monty award from the organisation Star Wards.

Star Wards is an organisation that aims to inspire those staff working in a mental health setting to develop new activities that aid in promoting recovery for patients.

The award requires teams to develop and implement 75 new ideas to benefits patients living in a mental health ward.

This is the fourth mental health unit in the Trust that has received the Full Monty award status.

The art room was one of the areas the team developed by installing a large white board which has been used a sort of graffiti wall for patients to be creative and helps them express themselves through writing and art work.

 One of the patients from the ward said: “I really love the art room, it is the central hub of the ward, and we can hang out and chill in there. It’s always bright and sunny and I enjoy using the graffiti wall to write poems and the painting activities.”

Rachel Latham, Occupational Therapist for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust who coordinated new ideas for the ward said: “We have been working hard over the past few months to achieve the aspirations set out in the 75 domains that make up the Star Wards award and it is great to see all of our hard work has paid off.

“When working with the framework of the 75 domains we looked at what we had already in the ward and it was clear we were already. However, it also gave us the opportunity to create new ideas to benefit our patients.”

The Kentmere ward is an inpatient mental health unit helping patients with mental health problems recover.

There's a witness appeal after a man who was taking his dog out for a late night walk was attacked in Kendal.

The victim was on the riverbank near Victoria Bridge when it happened around midnight on the 20th of February.

He was punched by a scruffy man in glasses who was wearing a yellow fluorescent jacket - he suffered a cut lip that needed stitches.

A drug user who tried to steal from his co-worker at a Bowness hotel has been jailed.

Sean Linnie was caught red-handed rifling through his colleague's room at the Belsfield in June last year.

34-year old Linnie - of Oldfield Court in Windermere - admitted burglary as he was due to go on trial at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

The organisers of this year's Kendal Torchlight Carnival want your help picking a theme.

Last year, it was "Think Big" - other previous topics of inspiration for people taking part have been "Kendal Pulling Together" and "Visions of Kendal's Future."

You can submit your thoughts via Facebook and Twitter.

The closing date for ideas is the 7th of March - the Carnival committee will decide the theme two days later.

A post on the event's Facebook page read:

"Don't miss your chance to get involved in this years theme!

"It's been a tough few months for the whole town, and many of us are still having to cope with flood damaged homes and businesses. Though nature has not beaten us, and the people of Kendal have picked themselves up and pushed through. We're incredibly proud of the whole town.

"The organising team are keen to celebrate this community spirit and send the message that Kendal is open for business, so we are going to ask you for your ideas on a theme for Torchlight 2016.  In 2013 we had 'Kendal Pulling Together', 2014 was Visions of Kendal's Future and 2015 we used 'Think Big'.

"If you have any ideas of a fully inclusive theme that everyone can get creative with, please leave a comment."