Copeland looks set for a multi-million pound economic boost benefit if the Lake District is granted World Heritage Site (WHS) status.

Tourism businesses, farmers and communities could all be set to benefit if the proposal gets the go-ahead from global body Unesco.

A bid from Cumbria is being considered by officials from the organisation, which is part of the United Nations.

These claims have been made by members of Copeland Borough Council, who have agreed that the area needs to make the most of the opportunities this status would present.

Two thirds of the borough lies within the Lake District National Park, which could be granted WHS status and at the end of next month.

The authority is a member of the Lake District National Park Partnership, which has agreed to use this status as a marketing tool to increase visitor numbers and boost development.

At a full meeting of the council, members agreed that the authority's policies should make the most of the opportunities presented by the status.

Mayor Mike Starkie said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and as a borough we cannot wait to make the most of it. In other places, where it has been fully maximised, the status has meant new development, increased funding, conservation benefits and even some regeneration.

"We need to harness the benefits and ensure that as much tourism as possible is driven towards Copeland.

"If we get it WHS status will help us spread the message far and wide: this is a place of exceptional beauty and cultural value, making it the perfect place to holiday, live, work and invest."

The Lake District, if successful, would receive be placed alongside the Taj Mahal, the Tower of London and the Great Barrier Reef.

Heritage sites can be landscapes, places or buildings, which are seen as a "source of life and inspiration" to pass on to future generations

The farming community would be likely to receive more recognition of its role in the Lake District's landscape and the Government has also pledged financial support to such sites.

It is also thought that the Cumbrian economy could benefit by up to £20m a year from increased tourism, that WHS status may encourage people to take more pride in the area they live in and that it may attract new people to the area.

Unesco will announce the result of the bid on July 31.