A project looking at cycle paths based on the industrial heritage of Workington is gathering steam.

More than 400 people helped project leaders of Tracks of the Ironmasters understand more about the old railways which once linked iron industry sites in Workington, Cleator and Distington. 

Tracks of the Ironmasters was launched earlier this year with a grant of almost £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to investigate a planned route along two sections of old rail tracks.

The funding is also helping the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, with initial work on the route which forms part of the C2C trail.

An appeal was launched for volunteers to help uncover stories and the hidden past of the cycleway, be a wildlife champion for specific stretches of the route and get involved in events.

During the summer, organisers held two guided walks, ran volunteer training days and held an eight-day residency along the tracks.

Nick Owen, artistic project manager, said: "The community involvement and engagement in the project has been immense.

"We contacted over 680 people and organisations around Cumbria with the result that 415 people volunteered their time, knowledge and expertise to help us understand the history, culture and future possibilities of the tracks."

The information gathered will now be shared at a community event on October 30 at Seaton Library between 2.30pm and 4pm.