ATTRACTIONS like Cartmel Races and Black Combe Country Fair look set to help the Lake District benefit from an influx of Brits opting to take a "staycation" this summer.

Figures recently released by Visit England have revealed almost seven million people have planned overnight stays for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, in favour of jetting off overseas.

Jim Walker, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: "It’s fantastic to hear that staycations are increasing nationally; it has certainly been a positive summer for Cumbria’s tourism industry so far too.

"The August bank holiday weekend is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the tourism sector, with lots of attractions and accommodation providers gearing up to welcome families wanting to make the most of the summer holidays before it’s back to school in September.

"Black Combe Country Fair, Cartmel Races and Rheged’s Dinosaur Encounter exhibition are just three of the many events taking place across the county to put us on the map as the place to be this weekend.

"Whether people live locally or come from further afield, the bank holiday is the ideal time to get out and explore the best of what the Lake District has to offer."

The figures show an increase on last year's results when just over five million Brits chose to take an overnight stay during the August bank holiday and should bring an estimated £1.7bn boost to the economy.

Visit England director Patricia Yates said: "Record number of Brits have been taking holidays at home and it is great to see so many of us are planning a trip this long weekend, getting out and exploring the outstanding destinations and quality attractions right here on our doorstep whether on a seaside, countryside or a city-break.

“The certainty of budgeting for a holiday at home, the ease and convenience, are all contributing to people choosing to take more domestic trips, boosting economic growth and spreading the benefits of tourism across Britain."