READERS of one of the country’s top selling leisure magazines have voted the Lake District as the best national park in the country.

The award from the BBC Countryfile magazine put Lake District ahead of all the 14 other national parks – beating the Peak District into second place, followed by Northumberland in third.

Director of Park Services Bob Cartwright said it was a great honour to receive the award. He paid tribute to farmers, land managers and businesses who work so tirelessly to ensure the Lake District always looks its best and offers visitors such a warm welcome.

“It’s a great present for our 60th birthday year!,” he said. “In 1951, our forefathers felt a Lake District National Park would keep the place beautiful and accessible. They would be delighted by our success. So wonderful in every season, with so much to do, it’s good to know people really love the Lakes.”

The editor of Countryfile magazine, Fergus Collins said he was not surprised the Lake District had come out on top in the readers’ poll.

“It is no wonder that people from all over the world flock to this iconic British landscape of crystal waters and inspiring fells,” he said.

The commemorative certificated award will now be on display at the national park’s headquarters in Murley Moss, Kendal.

Earlier this month the national park authority celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special event at Brockhole.

August Bank Holiday is always one of the busiest periods for visitors to the Lake District, and the national park’s events team have more than 40 activities in their annual guide.

Events at Brockhole include a Treemendous Avatar Adventure – be inspired by trees and learn how to protect them - on Friday (Aug 26); bushcraft and survival skills on Saturday (Aug 27), Nature with a Twist on Sunday (Aug 28) and I Spy - identifying the woodland birds and animals - on Monday (Aug 29).