A JAPANESE mark-eting officer has flown home after spending two years in the Lake District helping to promote its finest features to Far East holidaymakers.

Ayako Suzuki (pictured) worked at English Lakes Hotels to further enhance its profile in her home-land.

And she is continuing to fly the flag for the Lake District by taking part in a Lake District Japan Forum mission to Osaka and Tokyo, which starts next week.

Ayako will accompany Dawn Hunter-Ellis, the new tourism and marketing officer for South Lakeland District Council, to promote the area as a holiday destination.

Ayako first came to the Lake District on

a three days-a-week placement at ELH and one day at South Lake-land District Council and Dove Cottage for a six-month placement.

Miss Suzuki secured a 12-month working visa allowing her to work full-time at ELH.

During her stay she co-ordinated Press trips, developed a new Japanese website and online marketing, and improved services in hotels.