A LAKE District holiday cottage company is celebrating 40 years in the business.

Lakelovers, based in Windermere and Keswick, is marking its anniversary by teaming up with conservation charity Fix the Fells to help them look after 40 footpaths - and staff are also to walk 40 of the Wainwright fells between them in one day.

The holiday homes letting agency has more than 460 properties on its books.

To mark the 40th anniversary, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron unveiled a plaque at the company's Windermere office. Also joining the celebrations was Eli Aldridge, the 18-year-old Labour election candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, who met Keswick Mountain Rescue Team member Rob Grange and his collie, Rona. Lakelovers is a sponsor of the Lake District Mountain Rescue Search Dogs association.

Gerry Mahoney, Lakelovers’ business services manager, said: "The birthday party is the first of many exciting events taking place throughout 2017 to celebrate Lakelovers reaching 40.

"We’re extremely proud of our achievements in providing the highest quality portfolio throughout the Lake District matched by delivering a terrific service to our customers.

"We couldn’t have accomplished where we are today without having the finest, most dedicated team of people in our business and are delighted that some of our key suppliers and supporters are joining us in celebration of this wonderful milestone."

Mr Farron met staff to chat about the business, and said: "The company’s impressive success is a tribute not only to the outstanding beauty of our area, but also to the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of local people. I congratulate all who have played a part in building the company up over the last 40 years."

He added: "The tourist industry plays a vital role in the local economy, bringing in millions of pounds and supporting thousands of jobs. I will always work hard to support local businesses so that our area can continue to thrive."

http://www.lakelovers.co.uk