Today may be the longest day of the year, but plans are already afoot to help celebrate one of Cumbria's autumnal night-time spectacles.

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help create children's illuminations for this year's Penrith Winter Droving.

A total of £1,200 is needed to create four brand new lanterns for the event, designed by primary school children across Eden.

Eden Arts has announced the four winners of its lantern design competition, which were chosen after a shortlist was published and opened up to a social media vote.

The winners are Cole Dodworth, from Beaconside School in Penrith; Mason Jessop, from Yanwath School; Fenton Hope, from Langwathby School; and William Kidd, who goes to school in Kirkby Stephen.

Winter Droving organisers Eden Arts asked pupils in schools all over the area to draw an animal, which could then be made in to a new lantern for this year’s procession on October 28.

Four schools entered hundreds of drawings from birds to wolves, rabbits, pigs and horses.

Adrian Lochhead, director at Eden Arts, said: "This year we wanted to implement something special into the procession and what better way than to include four brand new lanterns, designed by local children and produced by some of the countries finest artists.

"It’s been great for Eden Arts to work with some of the county’s younger children and we’ve been really impressed with the level of creative designs that we’ve received - the level of engagement with the competition so far has been brilliant.

"Now it’s down to the public to support the campaigns for the new lanterns."

Each of the winners and their friends will get to walk their lantern down the procession, representing their school and community.

Local businesses can also pledge their support by sponsoring one of the new lanterns.

The Winter Droving has become a firm fixture in the town's festive celebrations, imitating the historic droving of animals through the streets of Penrith to the market.

The day is a celebration all things rural, with street entertainment and a craft and food market.

The highlight is the torch-lit procession through the streets, with old and young alike donning animal masks to march among giant lanterns and performers.

This year's event takes place on October 28.

To take part and support the new lanterns head to www.winterdroving.uk/lanternbuilder.