Tourism businesses from across Allerdale gathered to hear specialist advice about how they can continue to thrive in the industry.

Allerdale council hosted a tourism breakfast briefing at Whinlatter Forest Park and representatives from around 30 businesses attended.

Councillor Mark Jenkinson, the authority's deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic growth welcomed the delegates and chief executive Ian Frost urged businesses and organisations from across the borough and beyond to work together.

Joe Broomfield, the council’s tourism development manager, explained the latest initiatives to help grow the visitor economy and Anna Chippendale, the council’s newly-appointed events manager also gave a talk on the importance of events in the area.

Experts also gave advice about the group travel market and using internet search engines to help businesses grow.

Coun Jenkinson said: “The briefing was a fantastic event and there was some great advice on offer from Allerdale officers and from businesspeople who are experts in their fields.

“We live and work in a wonderful part of the world and as a council we are committed to encouraging visitors to come here and explore what’s on offer.

"This not only helps businesses that work within the tourism sector directly, but many firms across the district who provide services to those businesses.

“We look forward to continuing our work and hosting more events like this in the future.”