A NEW World Heritage Site brand and business toolkit was launched at this year's Westmorland County Show.

The brand was created by a collective of marketing experts from local attractions, hotels and conservation bodies on behalf of the Lake District National Park Partnership.

The classic heritage style logo has been designed to be used by businesses and communities in order to highlight the Lake District's UNESCO status.

Stephen Henwood, independent chair of the Lake District National Park Partnership, said that the show was the ideal place to launch the brand.

“I think the show epitomises so many things that are part of the tradition and culture of the Lake District,” he said. “And what better place? So much of what we do is rooted in the effect of the agro-pastoral tradition. Farming in the Lake District has shaped the Lakes and it’s really important that we respect those things and help them flourish.”

He said that the branding was a way to 'take forward' the heritage status.

"It's a way of showing provenance of what's being produced," he said. "And that it's rooted in the Lake District and in World Heritage Status."

Hawkshead Relish is one of the businesses that has already got on board with the branding.

Anne Jones, sales executive for the business, said: “The brand that has been created is a simple reflection of the heritage of the cultural landscape in which we live, but its simplicity is distinctive and eye catching, affording an array of opportunities for local businesses.

"We exist in a highly competitive market out there, both in the county and outside the county, throughout the UK and globally. Anythign we can do to give our products that extra special unique selling point, we're always going to try and do that."

Research has shown that just a one per cent increase in cultural visitors to the region could boost the local economy by about £20m, but it is what local companies, farmers and communities make of it.

Companies can download their preferred version of the World Heritage Site brand in a format that suits them and it is available in a range of languages to suit the overseas market as well as more local customers.

Additionally the toolkit includes material that can be used online and on social media channels to ensure that business have everything they need to get started.

More information on how local businesses and communities can take part can be found here http://lakesworldheritage.co.uk/toolkit/