FORGET dot com - how about keying in dot Cumbria as an internet domain name?

Well, it’s not such a dotty idea according to Wesmtorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron.

He said a .cumbria domain name is just what the county needs to raise its profile in the hi-tech communications world, benefiting local businesses and helping to promote the county as a tourist destination.

County specific websites could increase awareness of the county as a destination, helping build the brand and boost the local economy, said the MP.

He points out that .wales and .cymru websites will be available for Welsh businesses and institutions later this year, with .london website domains also being launched for websites associated with the capital.

Mr Farron now plans to write to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and to Nominet, the UK’s internet registration organisation, to see if Cumbria could follow suit.

He said: “Local businesses already benefit from our strong identity and reputation, particularly as a tourist destination and amongst our excellent farming, food and drink businesses.

“Sealing our distinctive identity online through a .cumbria domain name could help local businesses and organisation stand out from the crowd and could get more people buying Cumbrian produce and visiting our area, which would help our local economy.”