Copeland's tourist attractions have been highlighted as an area in which the region can benefit in the future, while it charts a successful path out of the Covid-19 crisis.

And helping to attract prospective tourists during lockdown has been Tess Pike, who has been leading the charge by taking history buffs from near and far on virtual tours around West Cumbria.

Tess feels that there is a lot of untapped potential in the region’s history, from its Roman links to the stunning coast.

She has already run one series of virtual tours, the last of which finished a few days ago.

Her next series is due to begin this week, with a focus on areas in the region which are often overlooked.

“I’m now looking at highlighting areas that people might not usually discover when they come to Cumbria,” she said.

“There are areas such as Cleator, for instance, that are stunning.

"You stand there thinking – ‘what a gem’. People don’t know as much about the history and background of areas like this and with my tours I’m hoping people are beginning to look closer.

“I’m basically promoting the area. I think it’s really important. Thousands travel to the Lakes every year and I think there is a real interest developing the areas on the periphery as well.

“I think people both need and want direction to the best places to visit.”

Her work is very much in line with Copeland and Allerdale Borough Councils’ respective efforts to draw more tourists to the area, especially those who often venture to Cumbria to visit the world-famous Lake District.

“As a guide, I try to draw attention to the details and it has become increasingly apparent as the project has developed that there is such an appetite there,” Tess added.

Her work has been recognised by the Copeland Tourism Board and her next hope is that she can recruit more tourist guides for the area, who she will then train.

A certified Blue Badge Tourist Guide, Tess said that getting more people involved would have a positive impact on Copeland’s tourism offering. “I think there’s so much in the region to see but there are no certified guides in the area, which I feel it deserves. The West Coast can be so proud.”