MARYPORT Town Council will double its sponsorship of a popular new festival... but only if it receives some recognition.

The third Taste of the Sea festival will be held in the town this summer and it has proved to be popular, bringing visitors into Maryport as well as providing an event for residents to enjoy.

The festival promotes local foods and involves cooking demonstrations, food stalls, live music and entertainment for children and adults alike.

Last year the council sponsored the festival with a £10,000 grant.

This will be increased to £20,000 this year but the grant comes with conditions.

Finance chairman Stephen Ashworth said councilors felt they had had very little recognition for their money.

Councillors agreed, however, that the festival was a boon to the town.

Other annual grants agreed at a council meeting on Monday night were £7,500 for the Maryport Harbour Authority, and £1,000 for the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Maryport Inshore Rescue, Maryport Maritime Museum, and Netherhall School received £500 each.

The council awarded more than £60,000 more in sundry grants to local organisations and groups which benefit Maryport and Flimby.

These included special grants to inshore rescue, for instance, to help with the opening of its headquarters to the public and to organisers of the town's bonfire night display.

The money also went to youth organisations and pensioners' clubs as well sports groups.