The new Lakeland Trails 2006 running and walking series has been launched and entry forms are now available for downloading from the event website www.trailrunning.co.uk.

The first 100 series entrants will receive a free Lakeland Trails 2006 dry-flo technical T shirt worth £15.99.

All four Lakeland Trails events pass through stunning Lakeland scenery, along well marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways. They offer outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities the opportunity to take part in challenging themselves over the tough courses, walking, running or a bit of both.

The series starts in Hawkshead for a 15km circuit through Beatrix Potter country in April. The gruelling Garburn Trail, a 20km point to point route from Staveley to Windermere going over Garburn Pass, takes place in June, with events in Keswick and Coniston scheduled for September and October.

Each Trail event has a Challenge for faster walkers and slower runners who set off first, a Nordic Walking Challenge, for the dedicated nordic walker, then later the Trail Race for competitive runners, all following the same course.

Junior Fun Trails take place as a grand finale, and with live music and entertainments, a real carnival atmosphere is guaranteed. Businesses can enter teams of five in the Corporate Team Challenge, and there is a team event for Health & Fitness Clubs too.

The Lakeland Trails 2006 series has received the approval of the Minister for Sport, The Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, who has written to offer his support and will take part in one of the events. This follows the tremendous success of this year's Garburn and Coniston Trail events, which between them attracted more than 1000 competitors, achieving national acclaim for their high standards of organisation.

The two events of 2005 have raised over £1200 for local Mountain Rescue, St John's Ambulance and Charitable organisations and Lakeland Trails will continue their support in 2006.

For information contact Graham Patten, Lakeland Trails Organiser 01539 723435.