'STAY at home' warnings have been issued again as the authorities hope to avoid a repeat of last weekend's tourist influx and gatherings of people across the county.

They came as a woman appeared to disregard lockdown rules by taking an inflatable flamingo for a ride on a canal.

A concerned Ulverston resident spotted the woman lazing on the inflatable pink bird on Ulverston Canal during Thursday’s hot weather and sent us this photo as an example of what not to do during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was ludicrous, given what we are going through," said the resident.

“My instant reaction is that if they fell in it they would have had to bring out the rescue teams when services are already stretched, and they wouldn’t know if she has the virus or not.

“At the end of the day people are dying and people are not understanding why we need to stay home.”

The flamingo rider's actions came despite the Government introducing new restrictions on Monday meaning that people should now only leave the house to exercise once a day, shop for basic necessities, for medical needs and for work.

Meanwhile Cumbria Tourism has warned people not to be tempted by the fells and lakes during the current spate of weather and urged them to be responsible.

“With the weekend coming up and this gorgeous weather we’re having, it’s even more important that we all follow government advice and stay at home," said Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism.

“We know it could be very tempting to head to the fells, lakes and other outdoor spaces across Cumbria and the Lake District, but please don’t.

“We ask you to think about the community, your own health and that of household members, be responsible, stay at home and together we can stop the spread of this disease and help save lives.”

Cumbria Police also had a clear message for anyone considering travelling to the county to spend the weekend.

“Last weekend we saw significant amounts of tourists travel to the Lake District, and my message is really simple, the Lake District is closed," said Temporary Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor.

“Pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed and we do not want to see people travelling to the Lakes in caravans and camper vans or driving many miles in their cars to go walking on the fells.

“The government guidance is really clear in relation to personal movements to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“It is really clear that people should not be travelling unless there is an essential reason to do so. It does not mean on nice days you can drive into the Lakes and go walking or ride your motorbike to Devils Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale. There is now legislation that means people can be fined for breaching the restrictions, but my preference is that my officers do not need to resort to doing so."