Masters rugby league teams from across the county are to take part in Cumbria's biggest-ever festival this weekend.

Players from around five different clubs are set to descend on Arlecdon to take part in the Cumbrian Clubs festival on Saturday, from 1.30pm.

West Cumbria Masters spokesman Dave Farrell says he has been delighted by the response this year.

"This will be the biggest clubs festival that we have had," said Farrell.

"So far, we have been told that players from Barrow, Hindpool Tigers, West Cumbria, Penrith and the newly-formed Carlisle side will be there.

"It's good to see Carlisle getting on board the masters bandwagon with lads like the Stalker brothers and Alan McDermott involved.

"It might be a joint team between Penrith and Carlisle on the day but we will wait and see."

But Farrell is delighted to see that masters is bucking the trend in rugby league, which has seen a drop in participation.

"The number of teams coming reflects the increasing interest in masters in the county," he added.

"We will have five clubs represented, whereas last year there were only two or three.

"This is a great chance to gauge how much interest there will be in the game this year. We are all looking forward to a good afternoon."

Farrell also said the sport is continually looking for new players and anyone over the age of 35 can come along and give it a go.

"There is an open invitation on Saturday to come down and have a go, join in with any of the teams and see for yourself," he said.