A pub owner has come up with an innovative way of attracting more customers - by introducing pony parking!

Richard Mawson, who runs the Kellbank at Gosforth, has created three pony parking spaces to the side of his pub.

The parking booths feature a trough for drinking, a hosepipe to wash away any mess and a spade for mucking out.

"It's pretty unique," Richard said. "I don't know any other pubs in Cumbria that have pony pony parking. We've had loads of interest."

Richard said he got the idea after seeing a post on Facebook from an establishment in Yorkshire.

"My five daughters have four ponies - that's been an influencing factor," he said.

"We've got lots of people on horses come past but they don't come in."

Richard now hopes riders will stop in the pub before continuing on the new Viking Way to Seascale for an ice-cream at Mawson's and a gallop on the beach.

He has even introduced horse treats to the bar menu, with oats, carrots and hay available for any peckish ponies!

And there's a special offer for riders who park up their ponies while they visit the pub for Sunday lunch - horses can enjoy a free helping of carrots.