A LEADING Lake District hotel is making a name for itself in the world of danger and intrigue.

Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel and Marina is preparing to host its second Hostage and Crisis Negotiators’ Ball later this month after the first one, held early in 2013, was hailed a great success.

Organiser Kevin Spedding said: “The event is being held in aid of Hostage UK, a charity that supports hostages and their families during and after a kidnap.

“Hostage negotiators are volunteers and a lot of the time officers are called upon to help people in crisis outside working hours, so the ball is a chance for us to spend time with our partners and to thank them for all their support and understanding. It is also a great opportunity for us to meet negotiator colleagues and families from across the country.”

Last year’s ball was just one event in a busy year for conferences and events at Low Wood Bay, ranging from away-days for national brands including Nandos through to conferences for BAE Systems, Low Alpine and the National Parks Association, plus black-tie celebrations for the CBI and Cumbria Sports Awards.

The hotel was also used as a base by GQ magazine for a Lakes photo-shoot in the summer.

Low Wood Bay also attracted events aimed at wild swimming enthusiasts including the Great North Swim and the even colder Chill Swim, which took place in February 2 and brought 250 people to the venue. Both of these events will be returning this year.

The Cardboard Boat Race in May, in aid of the Calvert Trust, provided competitors with lots of opportunities to make the most of the venue’s facilities.

Colin Fox, the marketing manager at English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues, said: “Last year we managed to attract a very wide range of events to Low Wood Bay.

“I think this is partly because we offer great facilities and customer service and partly the fabulous setting with very competitive packages to suit almost every type of group and occasion.

“Of course, the Lake District is also a major draw for national brands and organisations who want to invest in a memorable event.”