AN award-winning family business has a new chief executive.

Jim Walker has stepped down as the man at the top of Lake District Estates and David Little, who has significant experience in business management, retail and catering, will take charge.

The Lake District Estates group, in addition to a portfolio of residential and commercial properties includes five caravan parks, Premier Inn in Kendal, Ullswater 'Steamers', the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and the Peter Rabbit and friends retail chain.

Mr Little said: "I am delighted to be joining this fascinating and successful broad based company. There are plans to develop all areas of our operations and I am very much looking forward to helping progress these."

Mr Walker added: "We have made significant strides in growing our companies over the last few years and with the improving economic situation there is much room for optimism looking ahead. David is ideally placed to take the company forward and I wish him every success."