A 431-year-old ceremony to renew a town's market charter took place on August 1.

Broughton-in-Furness's August Fair was attended by townsfolk and representatives from Westmorland and Furness Council, Duddon Parish Council, and Lancashire County Council.

Since the Elizabethan period, the gathering has taken place to witness the Lord of the Manor proclaim the August Fair.

It was the fourth Earl of Derby, Henry Stanley, Lord Strange, who first read the Proclamation in 1593.

The current Lord of the Manor, Westmorland and Furness Council, recognises the ceremony's cultural significance.

It was Westmorland and Furness Council's second time leading the event, after it took over from Cumbria County Council as the area's new unitary authority in 2023.

Until 1974, Broughton-in-Furness was part of Lancashire.

As per tradition, councillor Matt Brereton, local member for High Furness, represented the Lord of the Manor.

Mr Brereton said: "I’m proud to be the latest in a long line of signatories of the Charter on behalf of the Lord of the Manor.

"Reading out the Proclamation in such a wonderful town, surrounded by the local community, as well as some slightly bemused looking visitors, is a real honour.

"I was pleased that, as it has every year for the past seven years I’ve been involved, the sun shone… it always comes out on Charter Day!

"It is important to mark such historical events in the proper manner, and Charter Day has not been missed in Broughton, so far as we know, despite world wars and pandemics, for the past 431 years.

"I hope all those involved enjoyed the day and very much look forward to celebrating next year’s August Fair."

Along with his party, Mr Brereton marched to the Market Place in procession, led by the bailiff, parish councillor Colin Edmondson, who carried the ceremonial halberd.

Councillor Matt Brereton signing the CharterCouncillor Matt Brereton signing the Charter (Image: Supplied)

Mr Brereton introduced the proceedings from the Obelisk steps, jointly reading out the Proclamation with parish councillor James Brakewell, vice-chair of Duddon Parish Council.

Children scattered pennies to signify the distribution of alms, and the national anthem was sung.

Everybody was invited back to the Manor Arms for traditional 'Fair Cakes' and a complementary drink afterwards.