Visitors to Kendal could soon be enjoying a two-day festival dedicated to one of the town's mythical historic heroes.

Traders and residents in the Far Cross area of Kendal are hoping to resurrect the Gooseholme May Fair in honour of Dickie Doodle who, legend has it, in the 12th century was sent to Kendal by King Richard I with a Royal Charter to set up a mayoralty in the town.

However, on arrival in the town, he became drunk in Kirkland and was chased across the River Kent where he established the county of Doodleshire with himself as mayor.

The event is being organised by the Doodleshire Partnership which is made up of residents, businesses and local organisations in the Far Cross area of Kendal and aims to improve the quality of life for people living in the area of Beezon Road, Wildman Street, Castle Street, Thorny Hills and Kirkbie Kendal.

Organisers are also appealing for people to come forward to help with the event and will be holding a public meeting at the Castle Street Centre, Kendal on March 1, at 7.30pm.

For full story see the February 16 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.