A Buddhist chief is celebrating 25 years of teaching the religion to groups in Cumbria.

Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa Nayaka Thero has been involved with the BGKT Buddhist Groups of Kendal and Keswick for more than two decades.

(Image: Jacquetta Gomes) (Image: Jacquetta Gomes) (Image: Jacquetta Gomes) He is head of Ketumati Buddhist Vihara in Manchester and Chief Sangha Nayaka for England.

This month marks 25 years since his first visit to the Buddhists of Kendal on October 9, 1999.

He and other Monks have visited Kendal regularly since then and he has taught meditation retreats, Dhamma Study and meditation sessions.

Councillor Gwen Murfin, invited Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa to lead a celebration at Kendal Town Hall.

They held a Pali language Blessing Ceremony in the Mayor’s Parlour.