Whinlatter and Grizedale Forests, external have taken inspiration from the well loved children's book Stick Man. 

The book, by one of the UK's most popular children's authors, Julia Donaldson, and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, tells the story of a stick man who gets lost in a forest and the adventures he has there. 

Following the success of the Gruffalo trails in 2014, the Forestry Commission are inviting families to follow the trails through the forests using activity points which allow them to live the adventures of Stick Man whilst also learning about the importance of forests.

Image source, 2008 & TM Julia Donaldson/Axel Scheffler. Licensed by Magic Light Pictures Ltd.

And if you can't get enough of Stick Man, it's set to premier this Christmas on BBC One as an animated special.    

The top stories so far today:

- The trust that runs hospitals in Barrow and Kendal is getting better, but there's still work to do

- A South Cumbrian solicitor's been jailed for frauds totalling £218,000

- Eden council's had interest from two buyers in its offices

The Irish comedian Ed Byrne joined Lake District national park assessor Jon Bennett on the first check on fell-top conditions of this winter.

BBC Weather

- Temperatures at 3,000 feet: Up to 3C. 

- Winds: Fresh or strong southeasterly, gusts 35mph, backing north easterly and moderating later. 

 -Cloud: Extensive cloud around 1,300 feet (400m). 

- Visibility: Moderate or poor in rain, very poor in hill fog, but locally good in any clearer slots. 

- Freezing level: Around the summits at first, but generally above the tops.

Would a child in your family like to chat to Father Christmas before the big day? 

He's visiting BBC Radio Cumbria on Monday 14 December and is really keen to speak to lots of Cumbrian children!

If you'd like to book a slot, or would like to find out more, you can call the team weekdays between 9:00 - 12:00 on 0345 305 11 22 or you can send them an email. 

Image source, Thinkstock

People who enjoy walking in Cumbrian woods are being asked to help to secure their future. 

The Woodland Trust, external wants information that will help it to submit bids for funding to spend on signs and footpaths. The trust is concentrating on Miltonrigg Woods near Brampton, and Crow Park and Arrowthwaite Woods near Whitehaven.

Image source, David Jones

The Trust would like to hear from people who use the woods regularly. You can email your comments to the trust here, external or call 0343 770 5536 before December 18.

Image source, Heather Swift

James Titcombe was a leading campaigner for an inquiry into Barrow's maternity services following the death of his son Joshua.

BBC Radio Cumbria

The medical director at South Cumbria's hospitals has welcomed an inspection report saying standards are improving.

Image source, CQC

The latest report from the Care Quality Commission says all is not yet well, but the Morecambe Bay Hospitals trust can now come out of special measures., external

The trust's medical director David Walker told BBC Radio Cumbria that the trust is still seeking outside help on its troubled maternity services.

He said: "We've got increasing numbers of staff on the front line, so more doctors, nurses, midwives, and we're now working with other organisations so we can get the benefit of their expertise."

You can hear the full interview here.

In-Cumbria Magazine
Newspaper

The Tingbot, a tech device created by a team including three Cumbrian developers, has surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter., external

BBC Travel

There's queuing traffic on the A66 in both directions between the B6542 junction in Crackenthorpe and the Main Street junction in Kirkby Thore because of a traffic light failure. Approach with care.  

You can get the latest travel updates here.

Maternity services at hospitals in Barrow and Kendal are making steady progress, according to the latest inspectors' report from the Care Quality Commission., external

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust was put into special measures because of concerns about patient safety, but a scandal over maternity care first highlighted concerns. 

The inspectors' concerns began after a number of deaths at Furness General hospital's maternity department.  An investigation led by Dr Bill Kirkup made a number of recommendations in a report last March.  , external

BBC Radio Cumbria

The trust that runs South Cumbria's hospitals in Barrow and Kendal is being taken out of special measures.

Image source, Google

Regulators brought in extra controls last year because of concerns about patient safety, management and critical care services at the troubled Morecambe Bay trust. 

Maternity services at the Furness General Hospital in Barrow (pictured) had also been criticised.

The latest report from the Care Quality Commission says improvements have been made but many more are needed., external

Only one MP in Cumbria, Labour's Sue Hayman (Workington) voted against a government motion to extend UK air strikes to Syria.

John Woodcock (Lab, Barrow and Furness), Jamie Reed (Lab, Copeland), Tim Farron (Lib Dem, Westmorland and Lonsdale), Rory Stewart (Con, Penrith and the Border), and John Stevenson (Con, Carlisle) all supported the government.

You can find out how other MPs voted here.

BBC Weather

There'll be a dry start across northern Cumbria, but rain already into the south will spread across the county. 

It'll become heavier and persistent especially across the  and the Pennines, with a light to moderate easterly breeze. Some sleet or snow is possible on high ground for a time, highs today of about 8C (46F)  

You can find the latest forecast for where you are here.

BBC Travel

So far as we know, Cumbria's roads and rail services are relatively trouble free this morning.  

If you see problems, and can ring us safely and legally, please call 0345-3053939. Our latest updates are here.

Martin Lewes
Reporter

Hello and welcome to BBC Cumbria Live. We'll be with you until 18:00 bringing you all the news, sport, weather and travel from across the county.  

If you'd like us to feature your comments or pictures, send them to us by email, tweet us @BBC_Cumbria, external or join our Facebook page, external.