THE Lake District Hotels Association (LDHA) is saying a huge thank you to the UK’s unsung heroes with over £100,000 worth of giveaways.

The Real Hero, Real Lakes campaign launched recently with the prize draw starting August 3 and will run until all prizes have been allocated.

The competition asks the British public to nominate their ‘hero’. This could be celebrating the milkman, a carer, a grandparent, a neighbour or simply a new-found friend waving to you each day.

This weekly prize draw is to recognise individuals who have provided invaluable support during the pandemic lockdown period.

Tim Farron, South Lakes MP, said: “Each year, 15.8 million tourists, visitors and day trippers visit our beautiful County and we can’t wait to welcome them back when the time is right and it is safe to do so.

"We know so many people have had to cancel holidays, miss milestone birthdays, skip anniversaries and pause weddings.

"This prize draw is a wonderful collaboration amongst independent businesses to celebrate the reunion of family and friends and the reopening of the Lake District”.

The donated prizes come from across the Lakes District and Cumbria and include hotel stays, attraction and experience tickets.

Ranging from luxury spa hotels retailing at £600 per night to tickets for the Lakeland Motor museum.

The collaboration will provide each lucky winner with a chance to enjoy an overnight stay to explore and enjoy the Lake District, for free.

Participants include: Storrs Hall, Windermere Lake Cruises, Armathwaite Hall, Castle Green Hotel, Honister Mines and Treetop Trek, to name a few.

Ben Mayou, chairman of LDHA, said: “We know how tough these last few months have been for the entire Country, and we want to recognise those who have gone the extra mile to support a friend, loved one or even a stranger.

"We want to show our appreciation, our gratitude and overall, to say a huge thank you to all those individuals who have kept this nation going”.

From August 3, each week the Real Heroes will be announced through the LDHA social channels. All prizes will be available once lockdown has been removed from the particular business.

Jennifer Cormack, Windermere Lake Cruises, said: “We are proud to work as a collective voice through the LDHA, and this campaign.

"Once our doors, gates, stiles and bridges have all been allowed to open again, we want to celebrate and provide the nation with something to look forward to again”.

To nominate a Real Hero, take a look at the hotels, attractions and experiences involved or to read the T&Cs, please visit the ‘Real Hero’ page on the Real Lakes website.