A bursary scheme to aid young runners in the Cumbria area is currently accepting applicants.

The Pete Bland Bursary, now in its second year, was established by the Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show.

It honours Pete Bland, a late iconic figure known for his association with running in the north and the former fell race manager of the event.

The Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show, an annual event held every August Bank Holiday Sunday, offers £500 to facilitate a young runner's sporting development.

The closing deadline for applications is Wednesday, July 31.

The bursary is open to all athletes under the age of 18, provided they are residents of Cumbria.

The process will be overseen by both the Grasmere Show directors and members of Mr Bland's family.

The awarded funds can be utilised in ways most beneficial to the young athletes.

This could mean offsetting travel expenses for competing in different places, gaining more experience, or implementing a new and improved training regime.

The inaugural winners of the bursary, Thomas Iveson and Rose Gilldaley, shared the £500 last year, their talent deemed equally commendable.

Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show chairman, John Hibbert, said: "We are looking for young and promising talent that is likely to be further inspired by this award and really put it to good use, to help fuel their development.

"We will want to see a long-term desire to be involved in athletics and a future goal that they would love to achieve one day.

"The aim is to make them a flag bearer for Cumbria within the future world of athletics."

Prospective applicants can find more information on the news section at www.grasmeresports.com and can submit their applications to manager@grasmeresports.com.

Following the closure of applications on July 31, there will be a deliberation period before the 2024 bursary winners are announced.