The county’s MPs are being asked to take part in a video campaign to support the tourism industry.

Cumbria Tourism has written to all six MPs asking them to record video messages for English Tourism Week.

The national campaign, led by VisitEngland, takes place next week.

As the majority of tourism businesses remain closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, it is taking place online this year.

It will consist of messages of support for businesses and reminders to visitors about the range of destinations they can visit when they begin to reopen.

Cumbria Tourism managing director Gill Haigh said: “English Tourism Week is designed to highlight tourism as a critical sector for not only Cumbria, but the entire country’s tourism economy.

"It is not only good for business, but pivotal in helping residents enjoy their way of life here too.

"It is so important for the Government to be constantly reminded of this, which is why we have invited all of our local MPs to record some important messages of support for this world-class destination.”

She urged visitors who had cancelled trips to Cumbria to re-book as soon as they could and thanked those who had postponed their holidays rather than cancelling altogether.

“The Lake District, Cumbria, is not going to disappear – so, we are really looking forward to welcoming our visitors back soon,” she said.

At the same time, she said many of Cumbria’s tourism businesses currently had offers in place which people could view on Cumbria Tourism’s website, alongside a number of other offers and prize draws.