THOUSANDS of visitors hungry for a taste of Lakeland scenes, heritage and the traditional Bank Holiday buzz, poured into the area over the weekend bringing welcome relief to the tourism industry, writes Tourism Reporter Nadia Jefferson-Brown.

Special events of all shapes and sizes took place under the sun's generous rays, which attracted day-trippers in their droves and ensured scores of accommodation providers enjoyed full houses for the first time in months.

Following the busy spell, numerous hoteliers, guesthouses and B&B owners, whose trade has been hard-hit by foot-and-mouth, have expressed optimism - albeit a cautious optimism - that business is slowly improving.

Cumbria Tourist Board is now determined to carry the momentum on, and has launched a fresh marketing mission to ensure the area continues to attract visitors, especially over the leaner autumn and winter months.

Around 100,000 copies of a new magazine, highlighting Cumbria's best assets, have been produced to further promote the area, especially as an irresistible haven for short breaks.

"We are hoping we will be able to build on the recovery," said CTB's Allan King.