Signs proudly boasting 'No Vacancies' appeared in windows across South Lakeland as thousands of visitors flooded into the area and snapped up accommodation over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Following several painfully quiet months, the hustle and bustle was a much-needed boost for the Lake District, prompting some tourism operators to say they felt "quietly confident" about the months ahead.

Tourist information centres welcomed thousands of visitors through their doors, with staff having to hunt far and wide for available beds to meet demand.

Allan King, of Cumbria Tourist Board, said the busy weekend had been "desperately needed by the industry", and added the area now needed at least three months sustained recovery to get back on track.

Some towns even attracted more people than last year's August bank holiday, with events such as Cartmel Races and Grasmere Sports successfully enticing large crowds to the area.

For the full story see this week's Gazette.