THE mystery of why mannequins appeared in the countryside just outside a Cumbrian town has been solved.

The four figures were photographed by a perplexed passer by at Knottallow Tarn near Ulverston.

In the pictures, wooden beams can be seen propping up two of the shop display dummies  placed close to a gate with a 'keep out' sign.

We can now reveal what the purpose of the curious figures is.

Andrew Butcher, honorary treasurer of the Ulverston Angling Association, deliberately placed the figures there to deter cormorant birds.

The brown trout that can found in the tarn (Image: Andrew C Butcher) The birds almost exclusively feed on fish which they catch with their long, hook-tipped bills while swimming underwater.

Knottallow is a picturesque tarn located about a mile north of Ulverston stocked with brown trout weighing up to 3lbs.

The fishery has an abundance of natural fly life and appeals to anglers from far and wide.

Mr Butcher said: "So far the mannequins are the only thing that's worked. We've lost a lot of fish from tarn lately and it's proven very expensive. 

"I know a lot of people don't agree with fishing but I'd much rather see young people out fishing than causing mayhem on the streets. 

"We've tried many methods to scare the cormorants and we don't want to hurt or shoot them, we just want to scare them away.

"We've tried waving our hands but that doesn't work. Scarecrows are useless because unless you move them, the birds get used to them.

(Image: Tom Bamford) "We placed the mannequins there about two weeks ago and so far they've worked a treat. 

"You can move them about easily and change their clothing so the birds think they're people.

"I've waited them down with concrete so people can't take them and so far they've been great at protecting the fish."

A talk to new members on flys and aquatic life in the fisherie  (Image: Andrew C Butcher) Mr Butcher encouraged people to go fishing at the tarn with the local fishing club holding a free induction course once a year. 

To find out more, visit the Ulverston Angling Association website.