FAMILIES and residents enjoyed a great Easter weekend in the sun this year.

Crowds of people took advantage of a series of events at Holker Hall and Gardens in Cark, with Easter-themed activities and a plant fair stealing the show.

The attraction's team said the long weekend was one of the busiest on record.

General manager, Heather Creasey, said: "The weather was wonderful and the gardens were an absolute delight. Spring has arrived in style and there are splashes of colour everywhere.

"We were delighted with the number of guests who visited over the course of the bank holiday weekend. The courtyard was bustling, the cafe and Ilex were brimming with people enjoying a bite to eat and it was lovely to see so many visitors enjoying themselves in the gardens."

Heather added: "It was a fantastic four days and got the season off to a great start. We have plenty planned over the coming weeks and months and look forward to welcoming guests through the gates again."

People from across Furness took full advantage of the lovely sunshine, residents in Baycliff, Ulverston and Broughton were treated to a special Easter performance by the Furness Morris dancers.

Barrow was flooded by St Georges Knights as Hartlepool fans were i town for the last game of the season.

Gill Haigh, MD at Cumbria Tourism said the warm weather gave a welcome boost to the Cumbrian economy over the Easter weekend.

She said: “The fantastic weather over the Easter weekend certainly helped to convince many people to plan a staycation over the Bank Holiday.

"Many of our members reported a healthy four days and visually it was clear to see that visitors were really enjoying their time here, both along coastal stretches and inland areas.

"Cumbria is packed full of world-class attractions and experiences suitable for families, couples, adventurers, sightseers and luxury-seekers.

"It’s fantastic to see so many of them choosing to spend the long weekend enjoying everything the county has to offer."