CUMBRIA’S local currency, the Lake District Pound, has expanded into businesses in Kendal.

Lake District Pounds can now be spent at more than 40 shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the town, bringing the total number of enterprises using the currency to nearly 350.

People can swap Sterling pounds for LD£ at exchange points across the county, including most post offices and tourist information centres.

However, they can only be spent at locally owned, independent businesses, with the aim of supporting the region’s local traders and keeping more money in the Cumbrian economy.

“Ever since we launched the Lake District Pound in the central Lakes back in May there has been a real enthusiasm from the surrounding towns and villages to come on board,” said Ken Royall, founder and director of the Lakes Currency Project.

“Kendal is full of the kind of unique local businesses the project is designed to support and it’s great to have been able to get here at last. I hope people will have fun spending their Lake District Pounds and exploring and discovering all the fantastic local shops, cafes and other businesses in the town.”

The Kendal launch comes alongside the news that there is now more than £90,000 worth of Lake District Pounds in circulation.

“We have been so happy to see so many people getting out there and using the Lake District Pound to support all the fantastic local businesses we have in Cumbria," said Mr Royall.

“The reception has been so good that we are now in the process of producing new designs for a new set of currency to be released later this year.

"We can’t wait to reveal these later in the winter and continue driving the project forward in 2019.

One of the main exchange points for Lake District Pounds in Kendal is Fantastic Kendal, one of the town's tourist information centres located on Finkle St.

People can also get their Lake District Pound passports at the shop and begin collecting unique stamps from the local businesses they visit as they use the LD£.

Sarah Williams, who owns Fantastic Kendal and is also manager of the town’s Business Improvement District, said: “It’s something that will get people spending and having a bit of fun. It’s something a bit different and that gets people talking.

“It’s also another way of getting people who are in the Lake District to come and explore Kendal. I am hoping the publicity associated with it will bring more people into the town to use the businesses that are part of it.”

And one of those to join the scheme is Tony Benton, owner of Brew Brothers Cafe, on Kendal’s Highgate.

“It’s hard to think of another area of the country that would benefit more from having its own currency,” he said.

“I think it’s about getting people to come and see what diversity we have in terms of businesses. We have seen quite a few independent businesses popping up in Kendal and that’s what keeps the town centre feeling fresh and alive. At the same time, it’s also another tool to get people through the door. What’s not to like?”

Nick and Shelley Allan, who own the Joshua Tree Bistro on Stramongate, have also joined the Lake District Pound.

“We are only a small business, but we try and use as many local suppliers as we can and it’s all about keeping the money local,” said Shelley.

To find out more about where to swap and spend Lake District Pounds go to www.lakedistrictpound.com