ORGANISERS are gearing up for this autumn’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival.

The second annual event takes place between October 17-19 throughout Kendal.

And entertainer Jonathan Ross, a comic art, fan has again given his backing.

He told his 3.9 million followers: "If you've got a gap in your diary and love comics, head North to the UK's only comic art town comicartfestival.com It's great!!"

Last year’s event attracted thousands of comic lovers and 70 artists and writers from national and international comics.

This year, 36 businesses in Kendal are pairing up with schools, colleges and community groups to create an 'art trail'.

There will also be a Comics Family Zone based in Kendal Library, Westmorland Shopping Centre and the Shakespeare Centre off Highgate, with workshops, free activities, face-painting, screen printing and competitions.

People can make their own comics, create characters, and get a professional comic artist to draw a picture on any subject.

The family zone line-up includes artists from The Phoenix Comic - a weekly children’s comic.

Phoenix Comic artists Adam Murphy, Gary Northfield, Neill Cameron and Laura Anderson, will be guiding youngsters through the world of comics with their workshops.

Visitors will learn how to draw, create characters and tell stories and then bring them to life for their own comic masterpiece.

All workshops are suitable for six to 12 years-olds except teen workshops aimed at 12-16 years.

Prices are £3 with tickets pre-bookable - to book visit the events pages on www.comicartfestival.com/tag/family-zone

Also in attendance will be artist Kev F Sutherland, who has drawn for The Beano, 2000AD and Doctor Who.

He will be giving a drawing masterclass. His event is suitable for seven to 12 year olds and no experience is necessary.

Again the price is £3 with tickets pre-bookable, and the Family Zone will also have several free events taking place.

The Windows on Art Trail - with support from the Kendal BID (Business Improvement District ) team - will form a trail to follow through the town. Simon Thomas, of Kendal’s Staff of Life bakery and vice chair of the Kendal BID, said: “The trail is a great way for Kendal businesses to get involved and involve the whole town in embracing the festival. The trail will encourage visitors to discover all that Kendal has to offer and to shop in the town.”

Beales department store window will form a centrepiece for the trail, hosting an exciting display featuring the festival mascots, Poblin and The Lakes Gang.

The trail appears from October 3-24 and maps and voting slips will be available at participating shops and at the Brewery Arts Centre and the Comics Clock Tower.

For details, go to www.comicartfestival.com/family-zone or follow on @comicartfest or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/TheLakesInternationalComicArtFestival?fref=ts