The only major survivor of South Lakeland's show and sports season is set to go ahead this weekend, reports Beth Broomby.

Muscle-bound wrestlers, sinewy fell runners and proud livestock breeders are poised to gather together when, in keeping with decades of tradition, the bellman announces the opening of Grasmere Lakeland Sports and Show at 10am this Sunday (August 26).

Despite the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, the sports will go ahead this year with a wide programme of events from sheep shearing to fell racing and wrestling.

Cartmel Races is also going ahead this weekend, following the cancellation of the May meeting.

The gates open at 10am on Sunday and the six-race card will begin at 2.30pm.

A fairground and stalls will keep children entertained and the races will continue on Bank Holiday Monday (August 27) with gates opening at 2.15pm.

At Grasmere, fell races will begin with the under nines just after 10am, and finish with the world-famous senior guides race at 4pm.

Throughout the day the mud will fly during cross-country mountain bike races, and contestants in the Cumberland and Westmorland-style wrestling will sweat it out all day in the wrestling arena.

Reflecting the traditional spirit of the sports, eight-man teams will take part in a battle of the brawn in a tug-of-war as they compete to win a trophy, £150 and a barrel of beer.

Plenty of four-legged contestants are also expected at the show to take part in events including terrier races, dog shows and a sheepdog demonstration.

There will also be sheep shearing displays and a Herdwick sheep breeders' display.

Entertainment for all the family will be provided by a fairground, antiques and crafts marquee and Made In Cumbria tent.

For the foodies there will be more than 50 outdoor trade stands including food stalls and a beer tent.

The Stonehouse Phoenix Marching Band and the Adamson Military Band will provide the music.