AN iconic landmark that commands breathtaking views across the South Lakes has received a colourful makeover.

In anticipation of this month's Lantern Festival, the stark white walls of Ulverston's Sir John Barrow Monument have provided the perfect canvas for a thoroughly modern illumination.

Eight LED light pods, specially developed by local business Marl International, mean the monument can now be lit up in a rainbow of colours.

After a trial illumination in March, the lights are finally ready to be used, controlled via the internet from the town below.

Councillor Mark Wilson, mayor of Ulverston, is delighted that the lights are ready.

He said: "The new technology will enable us to change lighting colours for special occasions or to meet requests, and it will all be programmed via an internet connection, so it will no longer be necessary to trek up Hoad every time we want to use the lights. The Monument is such a fantastic landmark for Ulverston it will be wonderful to see it quite literally in the spotlight again."

Can you lend a hand to this year's Lantern Festival, click here to find out more?

The project to light up the monument was funded by the Ulverston Business Improvement District, a group that raises money to fund projects within the town.

Chairman of the Ulverston BID board, Chris Nelson, said: "Lighting up the Sir John Barrow Monument is another great way of drawing attention to the town and what it has to offer as a place to live, to work and to enjoy visiting for the shops and festivals."

Although Marl are experts in their field, with more than 40 years' experience, the job still presented many challenges.

Adrian Rawlinson, managing director of Marl International, said: "The installation presented a particular challenge because of the rocky location and the safety of people and animals which regularly visit the area but our engineers rose to the occasion and the lights are now safely in place. It is a proud moment for our workforce and local people to be able to see LED products designed and manufactured in Ulverston being used in the town."

As well as serving the people of Ulverston, Marl has expanded its business across the UK and overseas.

In 2012 it successfully delivered a £100,000 project at Alnwick Gardens, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK.

The Lantern Festival will take place on Saturday September 17, with this year's theme being Into the Woods. For more information, visit the Festival's website at ulverstonlanternfestival.org.

For more information visit the Festival's website at ulverstonlanternfestival.org.

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