TOURISM grew in Eden last year by 2 per cent - equivalent to £240 million in visitor spending and 4.1 million visitors.

In a washout summer where many suffered losses and visitor numbers down, the district reported a trend-bucking year.

The Eden patch includes Ullswater, Kirkby Stephen and Appleby as well as parts of the Northern Pennines.

A dedicated tourism team at Eden District Council found the number of people working in the tourism industryc also rose.

There were '3,760 full time equivalent' jobs in the industry - five per cent more than 2011.

The authority attribute the results to its 'effective partnership working' between its team and holiday businesses.

Jim Walker, chairman of the Eden Tourism Network said: “Eden’s success in growing the amount that visitors spend in our local economy in 2012 highlights the absolute importance of continuing to invest both in the tourism facilities of the area and good marketing.

“2012 has generally been judged the worst year for the county’s tourism industry since Foot and Mouth disease. If we are to continue to buck the general trend we need to work even more closely together as an industry and ensure the public/ private sector partnership in tourism in Eden is stronger than ever.”

The authority reports its new website www.visiteden.co.uk continues to attract an increasing number of hits and the demand for the Eden Visitor guide remains high.

Penrith Tourist Centre is said to be 'inundated' with enquiries about the culture and history of the area and outdoor adventure, particularly walking and cycling.

New visitors are also contacting the centre interested by what there is to do and see, reports EDC.

A variety of new events in the area include the Eden Food and Farming Festival later this month and the Eden Spoke Festival in August.

Councillor Malcolm Smith, portfolio holder for planning and the economy, said: ‘‘Eden District Council remains committed to supporting a tourism service for the district.

"We fully recognise the importance of tourism activity in Eden and the significant contribution it provides to the local economy. We have a good relationship with our tourism businesses and the Eden Tourism Network is an excellent forum for businesses to come together with our tourism team to maximise the marketing and support work of Eden Tourism.”

Tourism businesses wanting more info about the Eden Tourism Network can call 01768 212165 or email: tourism@eden.gov.uk