People in Cockermouth were met by an unusual sight today as thousands of midges swarmed on Low Road.

More usually seen in spring and summer, it is thought the warm October the area has been experiencing has lengthened the midges' life cycle.

Gnats and midges swarm in order to reproduce.

The females take flight while secreting a hormone to attract males, who seek out the females to reproduce.

The column of midges – by the Laureates housing estate – attracted a crowd.