CORNERS of the Lake District lie undiscovered by many of the visitors who come streaming in, unaware of much of the area's heritage, quirks and hidden charms.

But for the more discerning tourist, keen to see under the surface of the honeypots and to seek out secluded spots, specially-trained tour guides can bring a wealth of knowledge, humour and insight to a visit.

Cumbria Tourist Guides, an association of professionally-trained Blue Badge guides with a passion for the area, are raising their profile in a bid to showcase more of the Lake District, on and off the beaten track.

Wendy Thompson, a qualified guide for Cumbria as well as London and Northumbria, explained: "People are getting more discerning about the type of tour they are looking for - not just the usual milk-run through the lakes.

A large number of visitors come to the lakes for one or two days at the most, and we would love to encourage them to come for longer to see some of the less explored areas."

A new influx of qualified guides, who completed their training in 2000, almost doubled the number of Blue Badge holders in the county, increasing the group's diversity and specialities.

Tours are offered in various languages, while guides also boast in-depth knowledge of the area, as well as the British Isles alongside specialist subjects such as literature, gardens, antiques, myths and legends.

Among the visitors - and local residents - who have sought their services have been journalists researching the area, walkers and Japanese honeymooners looking for a drive tour of the lakes.

"People come into the industry with very diverse backgrounds and it is not a career we suggest for school leavers because you really need to come in

with some experience," said Mrs Thompson.

"We have people from the teaching industry, the corporate world and retired civil servants, a retired police sergeant and an ex-British Airways steward.

"They are working people looking for a change in career, and the tourism industry is very attractive because it's wonderful being with people who are on holiday and want to enjoy themselves.

"A love of the area attracts

people, especially in Cumbria.

That has brought most people into guiding."

However Mrs Thompson, who offers tours in Spanish and Portuguese, said guides were always warned, when entering the field, that there was no guarantee of work after their training.

"It is a matter of people being aware that they have to market themselves," she cautioned.

Mrs Thompson started her training in London where she met and married her husband Richard, a Kendalian building contractor, before moving up to Cumbria.

" While my children were young I didn't work actively but kept up my professional qualifications and associations because I knew I wanted to continue working in the industry," she said.

A brochure about Cumbria Tourist Guides is available from Tourist Information Centres and Cumbria Tourist Board.