The owner of a Cumbrian holiday park says he is hopeful the predicted staycation boom will help his industry bounce back from the coronavirus crisis.

Jimmy Stewart, who owns Brigham Holiday Park, near Cockermouth, says he hopes that people will begin looking at breaks in the UK and buying their own holiday homes, rather than going abroad.

He said: "The Lakes are already busy and this is when owning a holiday home comes into its own – and if you own a holiday home you are going to go to it or let it out to make some money.

“It’s been such a stressful time for the over 50s particularly.

“If they have some money to invest, buying a holiday home could be the answer, as if they choose, they can also make a second income out of ownership at our park, along with having breaks with their own friends and family.

“We’re keen to try and boost the business, along with many others in the trade. It’s been an incredibly challenging time for us too, but we can but look to the future."

The park, which has 72 pitches, is allowed to sell its units, but cannot open for stays yet.

Jimmy, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, said: "It's tough for any business of this nature to have to shut at the height of the spring summer season kicking off, missing key dates like Mother's Day and Easter, plus the amazing weather we have had would have made it a bumper period.

"Our holiday home owners can let out their homes to make a second income – we assist them with this – so they have missed out too.

"We had just got a new phase of homes in to sell in March so it was all very unfortunate.

"It's probably been the worst period in the industry as it has been unprecedented for sure – control of your future has been temporarily taken away."

However, Jimmy has been working behind the scenes to expand and is in the process of buying another holiday park to add to his portfolio.

He added: "I have been looking for another park since last year and I'm hopeful I'll be able to announce the new park soon.

"The industry will pick up - staycations in holiday homes have been big for the past 10 years or so."