Sharing their ambitions for Copeland's future were a group of business leaders.

Copeland Council organised the event to gather the organisations behind a host of new and ongoing major projects that are set to bring billions of pounds to the borough.

Attending were representatives of National Grid, Direct Rail Services, Morgan Sindall, Arup, Land and Lakes, NNL, LLWR, Sellafield Ltd, Electricity North West, West Cumbria Mining, NuGen, United Utilities and the NDA.

Mayor Mike Starkie said: "It was a unique gathering of business leaders. I believe the projects they lead have the potential to transform not only Copeland but for the whole of Cumbria for the better.

"The companies they represent will potentially pump billions of pounds into the local economy, and it's vital communities communicate with them to establish a clear vision of how we can achieve the best outcomes together.

“It was a good opportunity to bring together leaders from a diverse range of projects – nuclear, water, mining, electricity and rail. They are all going to be here at the same time and there is much to be gained from working collaboratively, both with communities and with each other.

“We have the opportunity of a lifetime, and to deliver on it we'll need to work in partnership, not in isolation or with competing agendas.

"I was greatly encouraged that in the meeting there was a lot of shared ambition and genuine desire to achieve real economic and social development. Everyone was keen that the investment coming into the county creates a sustainable legacy."