CUMBRIA has been beamed onto the nation’s screens, lending the county‘s visitor economy some much-needed publicity at a time of unprecedented crisis.

The BBC’s flagship rural affairs show Countryfile paid a visit to the Lake District to explore Wordsworth's legacy and highlight the 50 years of emergency work carried out by Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue (LAMRT).

Presenter Ellie Harrison met Wordsworth's great-great-great-great grandson Christopher, who is marking 250 years since the poet's birth by creating an anthology of recordings of his most loved poems.

She also chatted with Sarah Anderson, of LAMRT, to learn more about the area's lifesavers.

Commenting on the wider significance of the weekend's broadcast, Gill Haigh, the managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “It’s always fantastic to see Cumbria featured on national TV.

"This is especially true when this is through a programme with such a loyal following as BBC Countryfile. 2020 marks 250 years since the birth of one of our most favourite son, William Wordsworth, and whilst many of the planned celebratory activities have been postponed there are still many ways for visitors to explore his and his sister Dorothy’s enduring legacy.

“Coronavirus restrictions have already cost the county’s visitor economy more than £1.5 billion and there is still a lot of uncertainty.

"Countryfile was actually shown on World Tourism Day, a timely coincidence as it broadcasted the Lake District’s unique landscape and heritage onto screens across the UK.

"Businesses across the county have been working hard to implement Coronavirus-aware practices whilst still providing that authentic Cumbrian experience and visitors are sure of a warm welcome. However these restrictions are clearly continuing to have an adverse effect on the country, Cumbria and our tourism sector.

"We continue to track and monitor Cumbria’s tourism sector performance and will use this evidence to continue to inform Government and seek support accordingly.”