A decision to designate a network of paths as public rights of way was met with thunderous applause by campaigners.

Eleven members of Cumbria County Council's development control and regulation committee voted for a motion opposing recommendations that an order on the routes - in Hayton, near Brampton - should not be made.

Only four councillors indicated they were in favour of recommendations put forward by authority mapping officer Andy Sims.

Objections were made by landowner Roxlena Limited - an alternative energy holding company - and local resident Boyd Holmes.

However, a number of people living in the area spoke in favour at the meeting, in Kendal, of an order being made.

Mr Holmes had told the committee that a map published in 1864 showed an "occupation road" which meant that it was a private route. Speaking in favour of granting the rights of way, Helen Horne said that it was her late husband Roger who submitted the first application in 2011.

She said that anyone who trespassed on the land must declare that they had done so and would be prosecuted. At the end of Mrs Horne's speech, those supporting the rights of way who had gathered in the public gallery gave her a rapturous round of applause.

Castle's Labour councillor Alan McGuckin rejected the recommendations.

He proposed that councillors vote for a motion to implement the rights of way. The vote, 11-4 in favour of Mr McGuckin's proposal, was also met with a round of applause.