Lakes village in award shortlist

A Lake District village is in the running for a £400,000 grant to enable it to set up a business to breathe new life into its economy.

Coniston joins 27 other villages shortlisted for the Big Lottery Fund grant, which is aimed at encouraging rural revival.

The six winners, which will be revealed in May, will be aided by "champions" who will live and work in the villages.

They will be filmed for a year as they set up their businesses.

It will form the basis of a six-week BBC One series.

Additional trade

As a member of the shortlist, Coniston has been awarded a £10,000 grant which will be used for improvements to the Coniston Institute and The Ruskin Museum Trust.

This will enable the Coniston Institute to host events such as film screenings, drama and art exhibitions, and farmers' markets for locals and tourists.

Councillor Anne Hall, speaking on behalf of the Coniston Institute and The Ruskin Museum Trust Chairman, said: "We are overwhelmed by this heartening vote of confidence.

"We are planning a programme of events aimed at bringing increased business spend into the community which would also bring welcome additional trade into the village."