Dozens of volunteers have been busy in the Lake District National Park supporting communities and making sure visitors make the most of their trip as lockdown restrictions ease.

75 new visitor welcome volunteers, recruited by the Lake District National Park Authority, have been giving advice about travel, the best fell walks, how to keep the park litter-free and saying ‘hello’ to visitors.

Chris Wingrove, volunteer team leader with the Lake District National Park Authority said: “We were delighted to welcome our new recruits onto their first shifts during the Easter holidays – there’s already been positive feedback from visitors and our local communities. It’s great that the volunteers themselves are thoroughly enjoying their new roles; if you see them when you’re out and about please do say hello.”

Volunteer Charlotte, from Staveley, said: “I grew up in the city and the Lake District continues to amaze me every single day – I can really understand the excitement that visitors to the National Park feel. I’d like to enjoy that experience with them and share my knowledge of the local area so they can have the best experience whilst being stewards for the environment.”

The Lake District National Park is still recruiting more welcome volunteers and will have training sessions throughout the summer, to apply visit: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/volunteering and click on ‘Visitor Support volunteer’. People can also email volunteers@lakedistrict.gov.uk for an informal chat.

In addition to the visitor welcome volunteers, the National Park in partnership with other organisations patrol that park to provide support to local communities and visitors.

The Safer Lakes team provides a real time update on which areas of the park are busy and will divert potential visitors to the next suitable location. Plan your visit in advance using www.saferlakes.co.uk