A NEW interactive map promises to signpost the Cumbrian companies open for business following December's record-breaking wet weather.

Launching the project, Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton said it would help communities throughout Cumbria let the country know 'loud and clear' that they were getting back on their feet.

The map is described as offering real-time updates on the businesses that have reopened in the wake of the floods, with information 'crowd-sourced' from businesses and their customers.

Already 150 businesses have put their pins in the map, said Government minister Mr Wharton, adding: "I would urge others to follow their lead."

Gary Lovatt, chairman of Federation of Small Businesses for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: "Those in and reliant upon the visitor economy have been particularly badly hit and this online tool will be especially useful for them. We need to tell the world that the fantastic small businesses that help to make our area so special are very much open for business."

To upload company details, visit http://communities.maps.arcgis.com/apps/GeoForm/index.html?appid=ceeb04f94f36408abda8c545bab24eaa where you can complete a simple form.

Anyone uploading details will also be able to tweet them using the dedicated #OpenforBusiness hashtag.

To view the map, visit http://communities.maps.arcgis.com/apps/GeoForm/viewer.html?appid=ceeb04f94f36408abda8c545bab24eaa