EDEN can expect a "thriving future" after being chosen as an area for a new food enterprise zone (FEZ) being created in the county.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership has been awarded £50,000 from Defra as one of 11 specialist FEZs designed to make it easier for food and farming businesses to "grow and develop".

It is expected to help boost the economy by providing more job opportunities and the status allows zones to "streamline the planning rules" for food businesses.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “The North West produces great food – from Lakeland Herdwick sheep to Lancashire Cheese. These Food Enterprise Zones will help our food pioneers to grow and create more jobs and growth in the region.

“The food and drink industry is a cornerstone of local communities across the North West - contributing £2.3 billion to the economy, which is 10 per cent of the total manufacturing output in the region. I want to help these vital producers continue to grow as a key element of our long-term economic plan.”

The area has already established some of the UK’s most prestigious Protected Food Name products and profitable food exports which rely on the natural environment and history.

With exports of Hawkshead Relish now reaching more than 30 countries across Europe and the Middle East, there are many more opportunities to expand the region’s finest produce.

In the FEZ set up by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, funding will help develop sites in Penrith, Alson, Appleby and Kirby Stephen – building on an already vibrant food sector including the Eden Brewery, Penrith Toffee and Lakes Free Range Eggs.