RESIDENTS of South Lakeland can look forward to a week of freebies, deals and discounts in March with the return of the popular Residents Open Week.

More than 70 tourist attractions, retailers, hotels and cafes will be offering the cut-price rates and free gifts to anyone living in the South Lakeland District Council area from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18.

All that is required is a special pass available in next week's edition of the Westmorland Gazette as well as a number of authorised distribution points and for as little as £1.50, you can take advantage of up to £250 worth of offers.

Organised by SLDC's tourism team and The Westmorland Gazette, the week is a chance for locals to experience the very attractions that draw millions of tourists to the South Lakes each year.

SLDC have joined forces with the Lake District Tourism Conservation Partnership - a not-for-profit organisation which funds projects to help the environment cope with the thousands of visitors each year to support a designated conservation project for 2005.

While enjoying free admission to attractions such as Kendal Museum or a complimentary glass of wine at Crook's Famous Wild Boar, residents will be doing their bit for conservation - proceeds from this year's event will be spent on improvements to the Brown Robin Nature Reserve in Grange.

The pass will need to be validated (at a cost of £1.50) at an SLDC Tourist Information Centre or authorised issue point before it is used and you may need proof of address.

Do not miss next week's edition of the Westmorland Gazette for your copy.