Police officers, staff and supporters from forces across the UK are in the Lake District this weekend for the annual Light the Lakes event.

Since the first event in April 2012, Light the Lakes has been a highlight in the policing calendar as people come together to remember officers and staff who have died, while raising money for charity.

Four-legged friends are welcomeFour-legged friends are welcome (Image: Light the Lakes)

Taking place overnight on Friday 21 June, participants will climb the Wainwright Fells before lighting blue flares at 3am on Saturday 22 June as the sun begins to rise.

Everyone is invitedEveryone is invited (Image: Light the Lakes)

Initially established to raise money for the orphaned children of murdered police officer DC Heather Cooper (Surrey Police), Light the Lakes raised £30,000 in its first year and has since raised thousands more to support other families.

All money raised goes to Care of Police Survivors (COPS) who offer support to help surviving family members rebuild their loves following the death of police personnel.

Local bands will also playLocal bands will also play (Image: Supplied)

Since early days, the ambition has always been to cover all 214 Wainwright Fells each year, and the event is growing closer to achieving this each year.

Participants this year include representatives from forces across the UK, including many of the Home Office forces as well as British Transport Police, the Ministry of Defence Police, Police Scotland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Cilvil Nuclear Constabulary.

It produces a beautiful displayIt produces a beautiful display (Image: Light the Lakes)

Also taking part are some of the families supported by COPS and the brilliant Light the Lakes Massed Band, which last year included 50 musicians from 21 different bands carrying instruments

Speaking in advance of the event, Vinny, Lead Event Organiser and Detective Inspector in Kent Police said:

"I am so excited to be back in the Lake District for another Light the Lakes event. Each year I am blown away by the support we get, not only from those taking part, but from those we chat to in the local community who have spotted our flares on previous occasions and want to look out for them again. The work done by COPS is so important and it’s fantastic to have so much support for our event and for COPS from across the policing family."