WINDERMERE returned to its Victorian glory when members of the town's Steamboat Association joined together for the annual steamboat rally.

Windermere's Steamboat Museum played host to 20 historic steamers from throughout the country, some of them dating back to the early part of the 20th Century.

Although some participants were put off by the appalling weather, those taking part were not deterred from donning Victorian dress during a damp trip across Windermere before returning to the Steamboat Museum on Rayrigg Road for a warming lunch.

Windermere Steamboat Museum manager and event organiser Jack Brownley said that the day had been far from a wash-out in spite of the constant downpours.

He said: "Thirty five boats were registered to come to Windermere and in the end only 20 turned out, but they ranged in size from a 14-feet to a 45-feet boat, one was over 100-years-old and one dated back to 1912."