A charity walk has raised £5,010 for unpaid carers in South Lakeland.

The annual 30-mile trek, known as the K2K challenge, runs from Keswick to Kendal.

It was started by a group of male unpaid carers in 2021 and has grown in popularity each year.

This year, they were joined by members of the public and a team from the Barclays Bank Kendal branch.

The number of participants has grown from seven in the first year to 25 this year.

Co-organiser Stuart Graves hopes to see even more people join in next year.

Mr Graves said: "The aim was to raise awareness of the male unpaid carers, many of whom are looking after a relative or friend alone, and funds for Carer Support South Lakes, who do an amazing job of supporting unpaid carers.

"It can be very isolating being an unpaid carer, and we men are not so good at saying how we feel.

"When we started the Male Carers Group, there were eight or nine of us.

"Now, we have about 50 men in the group.

"We meet up once a month, and it provides a short break."

The K2K challenge is a 30-mile walk that takes in six lakes and is mostly on footpaths and bridleways.

Mr Graves added: "We are delighted to have raised so much money for Carer Support South Lakes and are already thinking about next year’s event on June 7 – which falls between National Volunteers Week and National Carers Week."

Participants don't have to walk the whole route and can form relay teams to split it up.

Debi Marsden, CEO of Carer Support South Lakes, said: "We are so grateful to the Male Carers Group for organising the Keswick to Kendal Challenge, which has become a big part of our year and annual fundraising.

"Our Male Carers Group has gone from strength to strength and gives the men a break from caring and a chance to talk to others who are also caring for a friend or family member."

Plans are already being made for next year’s K2K Challenge, and individuals or groups who would like to take part can contact Carer Support South Lakes to register their interest now.