FAMILIES and friends came together to enjoy a traditional afternoon of fun and games at an annual village gala this afternoon.

Crowds of people descended on the picturesque village of Kirkby this weekend to take part in a whole host of activities at the community centre.

Every year people travel from miles around to relax at the event and take part in its celebrated fell running challenge.

Bob Morrish, Kirkby Ireleth Parish Council Clerk, says this is the event that puts Kirkby on the map.

He said: "It's a very popular event. It's a chance for the village to enjoy itself and see some of the people you don't see too often and it's good that we get a lot of visitors from around.

"The fell running is very good in particular."

The fell running attracts people from right across Cumbria and beyond wanting to take on the stunning course.

This year's winner was reigning champion Simon Bailey, of Congleton, who completed the race in 29:49.

First local home was Josh Hartley, from Kirkby, who ran his first ever fell run.

Lee Marshall, from the British Open Fell Runners Association, believes Kirkby offers runners and their families something extra special.

He said: "People come for the atmosphere. It's a family day out.

"Kirkby Gala is family orientate and BOFRA is family orientated.

"The majority of young people running today will have parents running too.

"And it's a weekend away. We have the opportunity to stay so a lot of people would come on the Friday and stay right though."

The fell running has groups for people of all ages, starting with the under nine's right up to the senior fell running.

Scores of people each year sign up to the challenge as onlookers sample some of the refreshments and entertainments as they watch their loved ones snaking up the fell behind the village church.

This year's event had plenty to offer as the Furness Music Centre provided the perfect accompaniment to traditional stalls and activities from donkey rides to welly wanging.

Children across the area also entertained the crowds with both gymnastics and karate displays which featured the skills of six-year-old Amelia Hardwick, from Kirkby.

Amelia was joined by friends Lowen Steele (six) and Isabelle Middleton (seven) as they enjoyed a bag of sweets after their arduous efforts.

Amelia said: "We've been in the tent and we've done gymnastics and karate as well.

"Gymnastics was my favourite because it was circus themed."

Although people from around the area travel to Kirkby for the event, there is such a strong sense of community as residents come together to celebrate their village for the day.

Mr Morrish said: "Kirkby is a quiet community but it's nice to get everyone together for days like this."