Santas and elves hurtled across Derwentwater to launch this year's Keswick Live Advent in style.

The third annual race saw teams from Theatre by the Lake, Allerdale borough council, Keswick Tourism Association, Castlerigg Hall, Kong Adventure, Derwentwater Marina, Calvert Trust and George Fisher take to the lake to duke it out for the trophy.

In cold but calm conditions, the eight teams rounded Derwent Isle with George Fisher's racers at the front but as they came back into view, last year's winning team, the Little Crosthwaite Chargers from the Lake District Calvert Trust, were pipped by Derwentwater Marina.

The trophy was presented by Anne Cornthwaite, chair of Keswick Tourism Association, before the first Secret Garden-themed Advent window was lit at Theatre by the Lake.

Vanessa Metcalfe, tourism manager for Keswick Tourism Association, said: "It has been a really fun event and it was wonderful to see so many people here to watch.

"The weather was perfect and all of the teams looked amazing in their festive outfits.

"The Christmas dinosaur certainly brought a smile to faces.

"A huge well done to everyone who took part and special thanks to Derwentwater Marina for the use of the boats.

"We can’t wait to do it all again next year."

Organised by Keswick Tourism Association and Allerdale council, Keswick Live Advent involves the lighting of an advent window each day in December alongside a festive event.

Among the highlights of the seasonal treats still to come in the daily events are Keswick Victorian Fayre on Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm, followed by window lighting at Keswick Tourism Association.

A thirty-minute panto by Bob Bryden will be held at Keswick Museum and Art Gallery on December 10 between 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are £5 for adults with accompanied children free, with another window lighting after the second show.

The final event will be an encore matinee of the Royal Ballet's Nutcracker at 2pm on Christmas Eve with all proceeds to Cumbria Community Foundation.

For the full list of day by day events, visit www.timesandstar.co.uk