THERE was a record attendance at the annual Lakes Hospitality Association Show giving South Lakeland a pre-season tonic.

More than 1,000 people from across the hospitality, catering and tourism industry attended Cumbria's biggest ever trade show last week.

The show, which brings together businesses and buyers under one roof, was held at a new venue - J36 Rural Auction Centre - over two days.

Event organiser Nick Hood said people enjoyed the warmest of welcomes including Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and TV impressionist Rory Bremner who was in the county fundraising for flood hit victims.

"Rory Bremner proved to be a true friend of the Lake District when he came to the show," said Nick. "He spent a full 90 minutes going round the stands and speaking to businesses and visitors.

"We were treated to a non-stop performance, full of jokes and impressions. This was not a scheduled visit, but he made the time because he said he wanted to give the Lakes his full support after the winter flooding.

"Tim Farron, who also opened the show, was equally impressive. He cancelled an important meeting in London to be with us and devoted the entire morning speaking to stand-holders and visitors.

"The new venue at Junction 36 proved to be a great success, with a record number of visitors attending. Many of the businesses who took stands said they had picked up new contracts and we have already taken bookings for next year" added Nick.

Businesses attending the 2016 event came from as far away as Scotland and those visiting came from all over the north of England.

Show sponsors included Barrow’s Stollers, Kendal’s The Brand Chap and Windermere’s Armstrong Watson.