A CALL has gone out for more volunteers to build on the success of an historic Lake District event.

The traditional Rushbearing Procession embellished the streets of Grasmere on Saturday (July 13). 

Back in the early years of St Oswald's church, the earth floor was covered in rushes. Every summer it would be swept out, and new rushes laid down.  

The Crown by Joy Fripp who won the adult prize for best rushbearingThe Crown by Joy Fripp who won the adult prize for best rushbearing (Image: Submitted) Now the Grasmere rushbearing features maypoles and rush maidens, banners and bearings, gingerbread and a fell race.

This year Lawrence Basham, who will be the future Rector, led the service.

READ MORE: Historic rushbearing procession sees 'very good turnout' from community

A Grasmere School spokesman said: "The church was full of happy laughter, and that feeling of a community coming together.  

"It's a unique thing, Grasmere Rushbearing, made of lots of contrasts.

"The stillness and quiet of the two days making bearings, the physicality of cutting rushes by the lake - thanks Jonny Perrem - the preparation of the Ulverston band and outfits and Grasmere gingerbread baking and marshals.  

"And then the gentle procession, wending its way through tourists and baffled stationary traffic, singing and chatting.  It's such a very old thing, and yet it felt absolutely right to still be doing it today."

Grace Priddle won the best junior bearingGrace Priddle won the best junior bearing (Image: Submitted) Will Clark, councillor for Windermere and Ambleside, said: "In my mind, this sums up what the day is about, why the committee works so hard and why it continues, it captures many of the nostalgic aspects I love about Rushbearing."

They had a 'fantastic' turnout both to observe and to process and raised £172.43 from collection buckets on the street.

Once the Church service was over the kids enjoyed both sports in Tweedies Garden and ice cream.

Will Clark's nephew Max Slevin at the eventWill Clark's nephew Max Slevin at the event (Image: Submitted) All young participants received a commemorative medal and the Ulverston Town Band played outside in the churchyard after the service.

Freya Hodgson won the fell race.

Joy Fripp won the adult prize for the best bearing, Jack Perrem for the best infant bearing, Shaun Mason with the best pram and Grace Priddle with the best junior bearing.

"We need people to come forward and volunteer in order to build on the success of this year," concluded CllrClark.