FURNESS residents will be among those enjoying a hugely popular Cumbrian film and literature festival which gets under way today.

Kendal Mountain Festival, which draws people in droves from across the county and further afield each year, is being hosted online for the first time in its 40-year history.

The ever-expanding event consistently offers an exciting array of speakers, debates and films for those with a penchant for the outdoors.

But, this year, restrictions on gatherings amid the Coronavirus pandemic have forced the festival to go digital.

A 10-day programme of content, beginning today, will provide a welcome relief to many people looking to fill the hours during the second national lockdown, which is scheduled to last until December.

Guest speakers include TV survivalist Ray Mears, presenter Simon Reeve and Joy Harjo, the first Native American US Poet Laureate.

Jacqui Scott, chief executive of the festival, said the theme this year was 'nurture' - something which the Coronavirus pandemic has rendered more 'prevalent and poignant' than ever before.

The festival will also feature a series of activities that viewers can undertake on specific days, including a 10km run and a global litter pick.

Visit kendalmountainfestival.com for more information.