COMIC art from across the world was celebrated at an international festival last weekend.

The Lakes International Comic Art Festival returned to Cumbria for its fifth year to honour artists, creators and writers.

The three-day festival saw some of the biggest names in comic art head to the county, with more than 70 special guests invited.

Julie Tait, festival director, said: "There was something for everyone at the festival this year, whether you are a superhero fan, mad about manga, or just love seeing incredibly talented artists at work.

"We were thrilled to have such an amazing guest list this year with artists joining us from across the world and from so many different genres of comic art."

The festival saw comic lovers young and old gather in Kendal to celebrate their favourite work. Featuring live comic drawing, films, exhibitions and workshops, the events programme provided a wealth of opportunities to meet and greet leading comic artists and writers from across the world.

Among the entertainment was a 'Quick on the Draw' challenge to open the festival on Friday night.

Paying homage to Sergio Aragonés, who is considered to be the fastest comic artist alive, the festival also honoured an artist with the Sergio Aragonés International Award for Excellence in Comic Art. The new award has been established by The National Cartoonists Society, in partnership with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.

Dave McKean was announced the inaugural winner in the festival's opening ceremony.

He said: "There's a lot of 'good' out there, but 'excellence' is what we aim for every day and usually fail to achieve.

"To receive this award in the medium that is my first and deepest love, at the best comics festival in the UK, is hugely encouraging."

Ms Tait said: "Dave is an inspirational talent and I'm delighted that he is the winner. His work continues to surprise, delight and intrigue.

"He continues to push the boundaries of the comic art medium by producing work that is compelling and powerful."