LANDSCAPE charity Friends of the Lake District celebrated its 85th birthday at the summit of Latrigg, near Keswick.

Members, supporters and residents made the climb to watch the sun set below Skiddaw on the evening of the summer solstice, with cake and champagne.

The charity was founded on June 17, 1934, at a rally in Fitz Park, Keswick, with the aim of establishing a Lake District National Park.

Chief executive Douglas Chalmers told the birthday gathering: "This evening we take time to watch the sun setting over Keswick, to take a breath and reflect on all that has been achieved in our 85 years; tomorrow, there will be more to do and many challenges to face.

"We have never faltered in our commitment and the enthusiasm needed to take action to enhance and conserve the natural beauty of Cumbria’s glorious landscapes for the benefit of visitors, local communities, wildlife and habitats.

“Moments like these, surrounded not only by the landscape that gives us our purpose, but also by many of the people who enable us to do so, simply strengthens our resolve.

“This resolve will serve us well at a time when the need for an independent organisation like Friends of the Lake District is greater than at any moment in our history.”-g@fld.org.uk or call 01539 720788.