THE biggest-ever mission to promote South Lakeland tourism direct to Japanese tour operators is taking place this autumn.

Representatives from 12 businesses, South Lakeland District Council and the Lake District Japan Forum are heading to Japan in the first week of October to seek to reassure tourism operators and to generate new business following the foot-and-mouth crisis.

SLDC's economic development committee agreed that cultural and tourism services manager Jim Walker could take part in the mission, and to contribute £500 towards the promotional trip.