FORMER Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell visited the Lake District to support the tourism industry and Tim Farron’s election campaign.

The pair visited Windermere Lake Cruises at Bowness.

Sir Menzies spoke of balancing the need for marketing the Lake District with preserving the area’s natural environment.

He said: “My wife and I come to the Lakes often, although I don’t do all the walking and climbing I should.”

He spoke fondly of Mr Farron, who had previously acted as his private secretary when he became leader of the party in 2006.

“Tim was my eyes and ears. He made sure I was never too remote and he used to tell me which MPs were causing trouble and which were behaving.

“He was most respected by his colleagues because he provides an extraordinary 24-hour service.

“Five years ago I was here to support him he was successful - I hope I can bring him good luck again.”

Mr Farron said Cumbria’s tourism businesses had suffered due to a shortage of Lake District marketing funds but he hoped to gain £10m from the North West Development Agency.

He said: “It’s not right that the area has a premier league product but only minor league marketing.”