A RANGE of positive benefits could be felt across the rural economy if the Lake District was awarded World Heritage status.

The Lake District National Park Authority has decided to press ahead with plans to lobby the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation to make the inscription.

But LDNPA members heard from national park officer Paul Tiplady that widespread support would be needed in order to persuade the Government to re-activate its nomination for the Lake District to become a heritage site.

He told the authority that although the award itself would not bring any additional statutory controls or financial support, it would ensure international recognition for the way the national park was managed and protected.

"Our true worth would be there for all to see," he said.

"At a time when rural England is under significant pressure this could lead to additional support when competing against others for scarce resources."

Last month around 40 people attended a workshop to start work on promoting the world heritage bid, and Mr Tiplady said the next step would be to set up a partnership to take the proposal further.

The authority agreed to seek support for the preparation of a 30-year management plan to submit to the Government.

If it decides to re-activate the heritage bid, UNESCO could then take a further two years before deciding whether to approve the request.