Yesterday’s announcement made by Culture Minister Ed Vazey means England’s largest national park may possibly join the Great Wall of China, Egypt’s pyramids and the Taj Mahal as an internationally recognised location.

The bid for the distinction takes place in 2016, and, if successful, will provide the Lake District with a global seal of approval, giving us a major advantage in attracting high-spending, cultural tourists, particularly from Asia. In basic terms this would mean more jobs and prosperity for Cumbria.