ENGLISH designer Wayne Hemingway has agreed to be an ambassador for Great Place: Lakes and Dales (GPLD) – a major new initiative aimed at persuading younger people to stay or move to the area.

The co-founder of award winning multi-disciplinary designers HemingwayDesign and whose first brand was Red or Dead hosted two interactive events in Skipton and Kendal this month designed to get people involved in the future of the countryside corridor from Skipton to Grasmere.

Said Wayne: “The area has an incredible 44 per cent fewer 16 to 34 year olds than the national average so it’s vital more is done to safeguard the future economy.

“So I am proud to support GPLD – which will put the needs and aspirations of younger people front of mind.”

The events, entitled ‘This is the Place’, were designed to get people involved in setting up a ‘placemaking’ project. They were held at Kendal Box Theatre on Monday, June 25, and Skipton Town Hall on Tuesday, June 26 at 6pm.

Wayne said: “Let’s consider as a creative community how and what we should develop to deliver an impactful, engaging and exciting cultural event of major regional and national significance next autumn.”

GPLD is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council. It is being led by Craven District Council in partnership with South Lakeland District Council and the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national park authorities.

As well as building on the cultural distinctiveness of the Lakes and Dales through a series of events, workshops and support for existing projects, GLPD is also looking at influencing local policy and planning to make the area more attractive for younger people to live and work.

Anyone interested in taking part in This is the Place, or can’t make the events but still wish to be involved, can contact GPLD on greatplace@cravendc.gov.uk