The conservation group dedicated to preserving and promoting the Eden rivers landscape has received a major cash boost from the National Lottery.

The Eden Rivers Trust has been awarded a massive £238,400 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch the "Act for Eden's Rivers" project.

A two-year project, it aims to get more of the public involved in tackling pollution, creating habitats and preserving the rivers in the Eden valley.

Head of engagement for the trust, Julie Lawrence, described the project as encouraging communities to "take pride" in their local river.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to work with communities close to our river conservation sites to kindle their interest in their local environment and inspire them to act through practical conservation activities and/or by spreading the message about the critical role healthy, freshwater rivers play in our future survival," she said.

"“Tackling the climate crisis may seem a daunting task, but we believe that acting locally will help globally.

"We are planning an ’everyday actions’ campaign that will provide the information and support to empower people to make small, everyday changes to their lives, that will add up to a big impact on Eden’s rivers and the environment.”

Another part of the project will see young people work alongside artists and Eden Rivers Trust staff to explore how the arts can best be used to highlight the challenges facing rivers and habitats in the Eden valley.

At the close of the project will be the county's first "river summit", which will aim to give young people an opportunity to speak out about how rivers in Cumbria can and should be protected.

David Renwick, north of England director for the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Through our conversations with National Lottery players, we know that nature is incredibly important to them, and the funding for ‘Act for Eden’s Rivers’ means that they can play their part in preserving the significant and varied wildlife that the north of England is home to.

"At The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re incredibly proud to be playing a role in ensuring our natural heritage is safeguarded for generations to come, but also that the projects we fund give people the chance to connect with the nature and wildlife that is on their doorsteps.”