Charity was at the heart of the World’s Original Marmalade Festival, as lovers of the sticky treat descended on Cumbria.

Aside from the internationally famous awards, the founder and passionate marmalade enthusiast, Jane Hasell-McCosh, was celebrating raising a staggering amount of money for charities, in the community and across the world.

For the 14th year the event, at Dalemain Mansion close to Penrith, saw visitors and entrants arrive at the stately home to sample some of the wondrous preserve that was on offer.

More than £250,000 has been raised over the years, and this year was no different, Mrs Hasell-McCosh said: “The wonderful thing is people are so generous - we get donations as well as marmalade.

“In the end we have made well over £20,000 for Hospice at Home and have money going to other charities all over the world.”

She continued: “It’s a wonderful feeling, all the people are helping us and all the people who bring their talents to Dalemain and share them with us, make this event what it is.”

People enter from across the world, but the community always gets behind the event.

Julia Fisher, 65, from Setmurthy near Bassenthwaite, won the best Full Fruit Seville class, She said: “I have entered every year trying to get that ever elusive gold star, which means you get 20 points.

“I always bring back my oranges from Spain in my suitcase every year so they’re hand picked. It was quite a surprise this time, I entered two pots and one received a gold star and the other had two.”

She continued: “I think every year the oranges are slightly different, it all depends on the climate, and every time you cook them you can’t always get the exact recipe, there is always a little variation

Forty-three different countries were represented, and more than 3,000 jars of the tasty preserve were entered into the competition, but only one person could take the coveted best in show prize.

Beth Furnell, 60, from Holywell, North Wales, won the top prize with A Bitter Sweet Marmalade.

She said: “It’s just wonderful, I’m still pinching myself.

“I still can’t quite believe it, but I think it will be very exciting to go down to Fortnum and Mason, and actually see the product in situ.”

Finding a winner gets harder for the judges each year as the competition gets tougher, Mrs Hasell-McCosh explained.

“It’s been very difficult indeed. We spent ages trying to find the winners,” she added.

Although people travel from the other side of the world to be part of the festival, there are still many participants - and winners - from Cumbria.

Joanne Wigston, 39, from Stanwix, in Carlisle, won the clear Seville marmalade title.

She explained what she believed helped her to the win the title: “We won with the clear Seville, the classic.

“The secret to the win was holding the jar up to the light with a torch behind to see how clear and shiny it was.

“It was super exciting winning.”