Two founding members of a rowing club have been given honorary life membership.

Ian Hill and John Knox founded Keswick-based Lakeland RC in 2007, alongside two other oarsmen, to promote the sport they love.

At the time, there were no rowing clubs between Brampton and Lancaster.

By 2016, the club had grown enough to split into two independent clubs: Lakeland RC on Derwentwater and Windermere RC.

Lakeland chair Julia McCumiskey, who presented their life membership certificates at Saturday’s ceremony, said: "Lakeland RC would not be the thriving club it is today without the foresight and dedication of Ian and John.

"We owe them a huge debt of gratitude."

Mr Hill and Mr Knox, the club’s life president, rowed for the University of Cambridge's Clare College in the 1960s and they went on to compete together at the Henley Royal Regatta for many years.

The pair no longer compete but they remain members of Lakeland RC to contribute their time and resources to support its growth.

They have also brought family into the sport, with Mr Hill’s son Alex, daughter-in-law Hannah, and grandson Sam all actively involved in the club.

Lakeland now has about 100 members who join evening and weekend sessions or gather for spontaneous weekday outings.

It also offers learn-to-row courses for adults and juniors from April to September each year, with bursaries available to assist with fees.

Newcomers, or returning rowers, who would like to learn more about Lakeland RC opportunities can visit lakelandrowingclub.com or find the club on Facebook.