PRINCESS Anne has been in the Lake District today to mark the official opening of one of the county's newest visitor attractions and only whisky distillery.

Founder and managing director of The Lakes Distillery, Paul Currie, welcomed the royal to the distillery’s picturesque setting overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake today (July 22) before inviting her to tour the £7m development.

Her Royal Highness visited the stillroom where The Lakes Vodka, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Single Malt is produced on-site, and the Bistro at the Lakes Distillery before unveiling a plaque in the distillery courtyard which marks its official opening. Following the tour, Paul and chairman of the board, Nigel Mills, presented Princess Anne with a sherry cask of The Lakes Malt to commemorate her visit.

Paul said: “It was an incredible honour to have Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal officially open The Lakes Distillery and all of us will remember it for years to come.

"As the only distillery in Cumbria, we are very proud of our team and our facilities which are already producing award-winning spirits. It was a pleasure to be able to present the fruit of our hard work to such a prestigious guest.

“Her Royal Highness’ visit marks the start of our first summer season open to the public. We expect to attract 100,000 guests of all ages to the distillery each year, who will be able to follow the same tour as Her Royal Highness, and we hope they enjoy their visit just as much.”