Last updated at 16:13, Friday, 15 February 2013

A LEGENDARY Lake District beast could be about to become a lovable icon.

Bowness businesswoman, Naz Craig, has launched a range of gifts inspired by a legendary occupant of Windermere dubbed Bownessie.

The book features a cartoon character created by Ms Craig and drawn by Kendal artist, Robin Evans.

The range also includes a toy monster, and augmented reality posters and postcards.

Ms Craig, the managing director of the Bownessie Trading Company Ltd, was drawn to the idea of a tourist attraction back in 2006 when the first photos of a strange creature in Windermere were taken.

Since then Bownessie has been “sighted” several times, although efforts to track down the monster have so far proved fruitless.

She said: “I have a lot of friends and colleagues in the tourism industry, and in these difficult economic times I know that we have to come up with different ways to attract a new generation of visitors to the area.”

She created the images and idea of Bownessie’s character and what Bownessie would be like.

It was during a stay in hospital following a serious illness that she received a card from Mr Evans featuring the cartoon character and bearing the words “Get well soon – Bownessie needs you”.

She added: “Robin has helped to visualise the character and make him come alive by his fantastic imagery and artwork.

“It became a real motivation in my recovery, and my determination to do something to help,

“There’s a lot of fun in believing in myths and legends, and children enjoy identifying with characters.

“I really hope this range of products and activities will help highlight how much the Lakes has to offer to visitors, young and old.”

First published at 15:50, Friday, 15 February 2013
Published by http://www.walneylocal.co.uk