A KEEN fellwalker has spent a year preparing to launch a 1000 piece puzzle of the Lake District.

Peter Knowles, who runs Rivers Publishing in Keswick, has created the Topographical Jigsaw & Map of the Lake District Wainwright Fells - named after Alfred Wainwright, the famous guidebook author.

Peter said: "I hope it will brighten a few lives, especially those who cannot access the fells for whatever reason.

“Several people had said the map would make a great jigsaw and so last March I went and talked to Barneys News Box in Grasmere.

"I discovered they happened to be one of the largest jigsaw internet retailers here in the UK, and they were really helpful.

"Then I researched manufacture, design and produced a few different prototypes.

"I settled on a design and in September we ordered a 1,000 from the Trefl factory in Poland.

"It's a slightly crazy project but I feel a very positive one at this rather negative time.

"The long lead time is because of the present worldwide popularity of jigsaws.

"The feedback we've had from our testers is that the jigsaw is very enjoyable and will make a great present for those who love the Lake District."

"Finally twelve months later, the jigsaws are now with our distributors here in the UK and available at a retail price of £24.95.

"It’s great when a project like this all works out well and everyone is impressed with the quality, all thanks to our designer Leon Reichel and the team at Trefl in Poland."

In Cumbria the jigsaw is being distributed by Hills Books and is widely available in various retail and bookshops.

It is also available from Barneys News box in store at Broadgate, Grasmere or online at www.jigsawsuk.co.uk

Alternatively go online to cordee.co.uk or Amazon.