The starting gun has been fired ahead of the Cumbria County Council elections in May.

Roger Liddle is hoping to be re-elected as a Labour member for Wigton.

He has the heavyweight backing of broadcaster Melvyn Bragg - famed for The South Bank Show - who attended an event to support him at a Wigton Labour supper.

It was held in the St Cuthbert's Parish Hall in Wigton.

Lord Liddle said: "I'm delighted that Melvyn came back to his native Wigton in support of me at this supper.

"He encouraged me to stand for the county council four years ago and I've never regretted it.

"Wigton is a wonderfully strong community with great character and great people.

"It has been a privilege to represent the town for the past four years and be able to speak up for Wigton in the county council as well as in the House of Lords.

"It will be a great honour if the people of Wigton re-elect me."

Elections for the 84 seats on Cumbria County Council will take place on Thursday, May 4.

Voters will go to the polls across the county.