A fundraising event in south Cumbria in December has raised over £2000 for 'worthy' local causes.

Christmas in Cartmel 2023 has seen the figure distributed between organisations in the area to help them through what has been described as 'trying times'.

The beneficiaries included Cartmel Peninsular Holiday Boxes, First Grange and Cartmel Scouts, as well as the First Grange Brownies.

Read more: Record numbers turn out for 'magical' Christmas in Cartmel Festival | The Westmorland Gazette

A spokesperson from Cartmel Village Society said: "In addition, smaller donations were made to Cartmel Priory Church and Cartmel Methodist Church for kindly hosting their busy team of volunteers, who worked tirelessly to keep the village safe on the day."

"The Christmas in Cartmel stall, also run by volunteers, made over £1700."

The event organisers also took the time to thank the businesses, many of which are local to the area, for making the fundraiser possible.

They added: "A huge thank you to the main event sponsors UK Carline, the Cavendish Arms, the Kings Arms, and Cockles in Cartmel Premier store for Father Christmas’ gifts.

"Unsworth’s Yard - including Oscars, Cartmel Cheeses and Unsworth Yard Brewery - and Coffee & Stays at Cartmel Square also helped subsidise the costly elements of the day."

Other local businesses got involved in other ways than sponsorship, with some conducting their own fundraising to compliment the festival's efforts.

"Cartmel Village Shop raised over £500 by running a raffle, offering one of their quality hampers, as well as from carrier bag sales," the Society explained.

"The organisers wish to thank all who attended and to all of those who donated via the Christmas in Cartmel Just Giving page, as well as the village schools who put so much into making the event a success."

The village festivities kicked off on November 24 with a Christmas market, which played host to over 30 stalls.

The highlight was undoubtedly the Friesian Black Horses parade through the streets, with the animals covered in lights as they brought Father Christmas through the village to Cartmel Priory Church where he met the awaiting children.