It will be all change at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick this year as its two most senior staff call time on their roles.

Executive director Patric Gilchrist and artistic director Ian Forrest, who have led the theatre from the days when it was being built, are both stepping down.

The pair have shared the role of chief executive.

The theatre this week announced the appointment of Conrad Lynch as artistic director and chief executive.

A new executive director is still to be appointed.

Mr Gilchrist, 68, of Embleton, decided 18 months ago that this year was the right time to move on from his role.

He said: "I think the organisation is in need of a change and I'm not getting any younger.

"It's a bit like how theatre works. I feel the play I'm in has run its course and there'll be another story to tell once I have moved on."

Mr Forrest, 72, of Cumwhitton, near Carlisle, said: "I thought we have worked alongside each other for some long probably it's a good idea if I step down at the same time and a new regime can take over.

"I hope I'll still be able to direct playing on a freelance bases elsewhere.

"It would be lovely to do the odd show at the theatre."

The pair started their roles when the theatre site was still empty ground awaiting development.

In the 16-and-a-half years since it opened, they have seen it develop to serve 125,000 to 130,000 visitors a year - more than double the original 60,000 plan.

Mr Gilchrist said: "The range of work is far greater than was originally envisaged.

"In many ways the test was to see if it could operate year-round.

"If we hadn't been able to operate through the winter and keep revenue coming in I don't think it would have survived."

Mr Forrest added: "The things I'm proudest of are that we have established a very strong summer repertory season every summer and it's enabled us to have an ensemble company of actors for seven months.

"I've taken enormous pride in being able to establish a studio theatre in Keswick and have enjoyed helping young people at the start of their careers to get into jobs like directing and designing."

In recent months, the pair have overseen the building of a new restaurant extension at the theatre, which is due to open in the spring.

In 2014 Mr Gilchrist was made an MBE in recognition of his career in the arts.

He said: "I felt particularly in relation to my time here it was very much a tribute to what so many people had achieved and it just happened to be me."

He has not set a leaving date but has pledged to remain in post long enough for a new executive director to settle in.

Recruitment is expected to begin soon for the post.

Mr Forrest will remain until the end of the year.

Mr Lynch, who is currently a freelance producer and arts consultant, will start part-time at the theatre in the spring and become full-time in September.

The 46-year-old father-of-two will not direct plays, instead assembling a small cohort of associates to stage productions.

He will also be responsible for the theatre's programme of festivals and visiting drama, comedy, dance and music.