A FELL said to be "almost sacred" to the people of Cleator Moor could be ranked alongside the likes of Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, under a proposal for it to become part of the Lake District.

Cleator Moor Town Council is calling for Dent Fell to be included within the park’s boundary.

At a recent council meeting, members agreed to meet with neighbouring parishes, to discuss submitting a joint proposal to the National Park Authority.

The fell lies on the fringe of the Lake District, near Cleator Moor and Egremont, and is part of Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Hugh Branney, who is a member of the Lake District National Park, said: "Dent is almost sacred to Cleator Moor. We all go up.

"Lots of people aren't aware it's not in the National Park.

"There's a potential now because it's happened over on the east of the National Park, for a boundary extension. It was quite a small one, but we're only talking a small one here.

"It would be quite a kudos, I think, for Cleator Moor to be part of a World Heritage Site. It would attract tourism. I think Egremont are interested."

Councillor Branney said the boundary extension could even take in Longlands Lake, which may "sort out other issues" around its future because there would then be restrictions that could be enforced.

"It wouldn't impact on planning whatsoever because there's absolutely no chance of anybody building on Dent," he added.

Councillor Charles Moores said: "I think it would help put protections in place that aren't there at the moment. I think it would work in our favour."

While councillor Richard Wood said: "It seems a perfectly natural extension."

Members also discussed the possibility of placing a memorial board on the fell, where a number of planes crashed during the Second World War.

Councillor Joan Hully said: "We need to recognise it. It's a major part of our town's history."

Town Clerk, Helen Gilmour said she was awaiting a response from the landowners.