A hotel in Keswick seems to have become the hotel of choice for celebrities visiting the town.

The Inn On The Square has recently welcomed Luke Roskell, Ralf Little, Lee Ingleby, Morven Christie, Greg McHugh and former Eastender's actress Susan Tully.

They've all stayed at the hotel during filming for the new BBC drama ‘The A Word’, which is expected to air later this spring.

Presenter Julia Bradbury stayed there before Christmas during filming for her new ITV series ‘Best Walks With a View’, which starts today (Friday).

Griff Rhys Jones rested his head there during the filming of the Lakes episode of ‘Griff’s Great Britain’, and it's also been used by singer Joss Stone and TV funnyman Vic Reeves.

Dani Hope, Lake District Hotels Marketing Director, said: ‘’We opened the Inn On The Square just nine months ago, since then we have seen a steady trickle of top celebrities make a bee line to the hotel. We firmly believe that the combination of a relaxed atmosphere, Scandinavian influenced interiors, our award winning food and not forgetting our warm Cumbrian welcome, are the perfect thing to attract people from all walks of life. The team take great pride in offering the same level of service to all our guests, our aim is to ensure that everyone has the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy their surroundings, no matter who they may be.’’

Above: Ralf Little (Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) pictured with Phil Knight

Above: Luke Roskell, Emmerdale, pictured with Rhian Davies

Above: Julia Bradbury & Dani Hope

The Lake District National Park has today announced a new multi-user trail over Dunmail Raise as part of the A591 reconnection project.

The A591 is a vital link between the north and south of the park for local people, businesses and visitors.

In addition to the main road repair and the temporary road, the National Park has been exploring options for walkers, cyclists and horse riders who use the route.

The work on the route is self-contained and will not impact on the important work to re-open the A591.

The trail is an existing right of way on the west side of the A591 from Dunmail Raise to southern end of Thirlmere.

The surrounding land has a steep gradient in places and is subject to heavy rainfall, so the new surface will improve the trail, whilst being laid in a way that is sympathetic to the landscape.

Director of Sustainable Development for the Lake District National Park, Steve Ratcliffe, said: “We are delighted to be starting work on this route.  

"In the short term this will ease the challenges of mixing vehicles, cycles and pedestrians over the temporary A591 road, and will offer a more attractive, separate route over Dunmail.  

"Importantly this multi-user trail will also have longer term benefits, including securing an important cycle route linking the southern and northern Lakes, and supporting the local economy in those communities.”

Weather permitting the project will take six weeks and will begin in March.

LDNP Area Ranger, Graham Standring, explains more about this project in the video below.

Two visitor attractions in The Lake District have been shortlisted for national awards

Ullswater 'Steamers' and sister attraction The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway are both finalists in the National Coach Tourism Awards (NCTA) 2016.

'Steamers has been shortlisted in the River and Inland Cruise Operator category and The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has been shortlisted in the Heritage Railway category.

The NCTA is the only national awards scheme to specifically focus on coach tour operators, destinations, visitor attractions, and tourism industry suppliers, recognising excellence and innovation across the coach tourism industry.

Now in its 11th year, the 2016 event will take place alongside the British Tourism & Travel Show on the 16 March at Vox, Resorts World Birmingham, NEC.

Rachel Bell, Marketing Manager with Ullswater Steamers and The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway said: ''We are immensely proud of the fact that both visitor attractions have been shortlisted as finalists in their respective categories, especially as these awards are the ones that recognise excellence and innovation across the coach tourism industry.

"I also want to take this opportunity to commend all of the staff at 'Steamers' and 'Ratty' for their hard work over the last year - fingers crossed for the 16 March.''

Keswick Mountain Festival has unveiled a schedule of high profile speakers who will be entertaining visitors to the Lake District in May.  

Some of the biggest names in outdoor adventure, sport and broadcasting will take to the stage in Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake from Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 May.  

Household names such as Julia Bradbury and James Cracknell will be joined by Monty Halls, Alan Hinkes and Mick Fowler in a varied programme for the 10th anniversary festival.

The 2016 Keswick Mountain Festival will run from Thursday 19 until Sunday 22 May, with its main base being the Festival Village on Crow Park in Keswick, open from Friday 20th.  

Located by the entrance to the park, the Theatre by the Lake will host speakers on three nights.

Monty Halls will kick-off the schedule on Thursday 19 May.  

During his talk, Halls will explore whether exploration and true adventure still exist.  

He will be followed by Julia Bradbury, one of the best known outdoor enthusiasts in the UK.  

Bradbury will share her recent adventures and favourite walks, some of which feature in her new eight part series for ITV, ‘Best Walks with a View’.  

Friday at Keswick Mountain Festival will see a special evening with double Olympic champion James Cracknell.  

After reaching the pinnacle of achievement in rowing, Cracknell has carved a name for himself as a fearless adventurer who is prepared to subject himself to huge physical and mental challenges.

He will give the festival audience an insight into how he has overcome the obstacles that he has faced and dealt with the life changing consequences of his accident in Arizona in 2010. 

Mountain adventures will be the theme on Saturday 21 May, as two of the UK’s most accomplished climbers entertain audiences in the Theatre by the Lake.  

The evening will begin with Alan Hinkes, the first Brit to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks.  

Hinkes will talk about that quest and some of his more recent adventures, in Scotland, Norway and the Arctic.  

The speaker programme will conclude with Mick Fowler, a man who epitomises adventure mountaineering and specialises in finding new routes on remote Himalayan peaks.  

Nicola Meadley, Keswick Mountain Festival director, said it's a fantastic line up to mark the 100th anniversary.  

"We have secured some of the best known and most respected names in their fields and we’ll have a distinct theme each night.

"I think that this year’s combination of speakers epitomises the amazing breadth and depth of our programme, which is what makes Keswick Mountain Festival such an essential event for so many visitors.”

The government must apply for EU flood funding by the end of next week or lose out on millions of pounds, South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has warned.

Tim met senior MEPs in Brussels on Thursday and presented a petition signed by over 2000 constituents, calling on the UK government to apply for this money.

The Liberal Democrats leader has repeatedly called on the government to apply for EU Solidarity Funding, yet with the deadline just a week away the government has still given no indication that it will apply.

Accounting firm KPMG has estimated the total flood damage in the UK at £5bn, meaning that the UK could be eligible for up to £125m from the fund, which exists to support member states who have been hit by a major natural disaster.

Ten percent of the total grant would be made available immediately.

During a visit to Brussels on Thursday, Tim presented a petition signed by over 2000 constituents to leading MEPs from the Regional Committee, who confirmed they would approve a grant as soon as an application is made by the UK government.

The European Commission has also confirmed it believes the UK would be eligible for a substantial grant, with the funding potentially used to help repair vital infrastructure and offset the costs of repairing flood damage.

However, applications for funding must be made within 12 weeks of when the natural disaster first hit.

As Storm Desmond struck on 5th December, the deadline to apply is Friday 26th February.

In 2007, the UK received £134 million from this fund to help deal with the aftermath of floods.

Tim said: “It is utterly ridiculous that the government has still not applied for this money.

“It is clear that people in the affected communities are desperate for the government to apply, and the EU is willing to provide the funds. The missing link is the UK government.

"It seems the Tories would rather short-change flood victims across the North of England, rather than stand up to their own Eurosceptic backbenchers.

“At a time when Cameron is trying to make the case for the EU, this is a perfect opportunity to show the tangible benefits of EU membership.

"With roads and bridges still closed across Cumbria and other areas, these funds would be invaluable in helping to get flood-hit areas back on their feet."

Further outbreaks of rain are expected today and tomorrow, with a yellow warning in place for this area.

The MET Office says the heaviest and most persistent rainfall is likely to occur over high ground - with strong winds.

The warning's in place from midday today until late tomorrow night.

The Environment Agency says rivers already affected by record water levels back in December could be at risk of some localised flooding.

Dan Bond from the Environment Agency, said: “We will issue flood warnings and alerts where necessary as rivers respond to the rainfall.

"This could also cause drains to overflow, so people need to be ready for flash flooding in some places. Disruption to travel and some flooding of low-lying land and individual properties is possible. We urge people to take care and not to drive through flood water."

Local people can keep up to date with the latest situation here. 

A special parking offer is on in Kendal this weekend to attract people back to the town following the reopening of Victoria Bridge.

The town's BID team and SLDC have teamed up with the Westmorland Shopping Centre where parking is just £2.20 all day today and tomorrow.

It's to coincide with the 'bridgeisback' social media campaign.

A number of businesses noted a drop in footfall whilst the bridge - known locally as Batman Bridge - was closed for nearly four weeks for repairs to storm damage.

A family of four had to be rescued in the Lake District mountains yesterday, after getting lost.

The Langdale & Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team was called out at 2.20pm after getting reports that the family had become disoriented on Wansfell.

They were found taking shelter in a derelict building.

The team had also been called out a short time earlier, after two people had got lost in snowy conditions in the Hart Crag area.

They were also eventually found and escorted to safety.

A public meeting's being held in Kirkby Lonsdale next month, to discuss local parking issues.

The Kirkby Lonsdale Car Parking Group is holding its Annual General Meeting on the 9th of March at Lunesdale Hall.

In November, motorists were asked to be more considerate when parking their vehicles in part of the village.

Police received several complaints about parking at Horsemarket, with some drivers described as having "no regard for other vehicle users" who need to get past.

Concern was also raised about how police, fire, and ambulance crews would get past quickly during any emergencies.

The campaign group's Chairman Mark Fuller, said: "The government are keen for local people to provide solutions to local issues and at this meeting you will be able to understand the frustrations of a community led initiative against the bureaucracy of local councils in resolving our town’s parking issues.

PCSO Kyle Bateson said: "Should there be a need for emergency services to access the road, this would cause a significant obstruction to emergency services and a delay in their response time.

"Could all residents in the area please be mindful of where they are parking and consider other road users when parking your vehicles."

Police are appealing for information after a public order offence that followed a minor road accident in Bowness.

It happened on Thursday, at 11.30am in Bowness, when an 83 year old man bumped into the back of another vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle he hit then shouted at the driver, causing him to "feel alarmed".

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Awareness is being raised about a club in Kendal that helps children with speech, language and physical difficulties to communicate better using their eyes.

Therapists from the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust are using specialist technology called ‘Eye Gaze’ at Westmorland General Hospital.

It's described as "very similar" to a touch screen device, but it's eyes - not fingers, that are used to navigate around the screen.

Helen Dixon, Speech and Language Therapist at CPFT said: “The Eye Gaze Club was born out of a desire to give children who struggle with speech and language an opportunity to come together with other children who communicate in a similar way.

"We have a number of regular attendees at the club and have found they are learning to develop their skills, some moving from low tech eye pointing to using high tech communication aids with their eyes.

"Our Eye Gaze Club has shown the children they are not alone in using this slightly unusual method of communication and the younger children have role models to look up to with those who have been using the systems for longer.

“During the latest session one of the children used her eye gaze system to say 'thank you, I’m having fun' to one of the therapists. I also received an email from the child’s mother who was thrilled with how well her daughter is doing. It is great to see the children develop their communication skills and to hear that they are already looking forward to the next Eye Gaze Club.”

Most of the children bring their own devices to the club, although the CPFT does have some eye gaze equipment that can be used.

To find out more, contact the Trust here.

Cumbria Police are reminding local people that they never request money from businesses or residents - directly or via a third party.

A business owner in the South Lakes - who's not been named, recently reported a repeat cold-caller, who said they were working in collaboration with the police and seeking donations.

PCSO Emma Forrester said: "Cumbria Police can confirm that these calls are not affiliated to the force and that the Constabulary would never request money from businesses or members of the public, either directly or through a third party.

"The Constabulary advise people to ignore or hang up calls of this nature. Anyone genuinely working with the Constabulary will be able to provide details of the officer or staff member within the Constabulary who they are working with. You should never part with any money until completely satisfied that the person you are speaking to is genuine. If they are, they will provide such details, and allow you time to check them out.

"If calling the police for such purposes, do so from a different phone, as the caller may not have hung up, and should you try calling 101, you may speak to that caller again!"

People who are interested in becoming Cumbria's next Police & Crime Commissioner are gathering to find out more tonight (Monday).

The PCC elections are being held on the 5th of May, with interested individuals able to learn more about the role are meeting at Cumbria Police's Penrith HQ from 6pm.

Places had to be registered by Friday.

Currently, Richard Rhodes holds the position.

One man has died and another is seriously injured after a serious three-vehicle crash between Junction 37 and 38 on the M6.

The collision happened at around 12.30pm on Sunday, closing the M6 in both directions - it fully reopened last night.

It's believed the incident involved a van and two cars. 

A spokeswoman from Cumbria Police confirmed that one man was pronounced dead, however details on their identity are yet to be released.

Another man is in a 'serious' condition in James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough. 

You can find all the latest travel information at The Bay Travel Centre. 

A number of motorists were stuck within the road closure, left stationary for hours before emergency workers could direct them to turn around.

Image courtesy of Cumbria Road Watch 

The collision happened on the southbound carriageway, but the other carriageway was closed to allow two air ambulances to land.

The Great North Air Ambulance was one of them.

Image courtesy of Cumbria Road Watch 

The doctor on board anaesthetised a man at the scene, before he was flown to the major trauma unit at James Cook hospital in Middlesbrough.

His condition is serious.

People in Cumbria and Lancashire are warned of some difficult travelling conditions first thing this morning (Monday).

There is currently a Yellow weather warning for ice in place across the region. 

The Met Office first issued the warning 9pm on Sunday night and it will remain in place until 9am on Monday. 

Motorists are urged to look out for icy patches that may have developed on untreated surfaces overnight.

The Met Office says: "Some wet snow may develop for a time over higher routes.

"As skies clear to the rear of the cold front, road and pavement temperatures will fall away quickly and with surfaces still wet, icy patches are likely to develop on untreated surfaces. 

More information can be found on the Met Office website. 

Coniston Mountain Rescue Team had to help a walker who was suffering from exhaustion on the Old Man at the weekend.

The volunteers put him in warm clothing and a shelter then fed him but eventually they had to stretcher him off the fell on Saturday afternoon.

He was taken to Furness General Hospital.

The Dalton zoo owner charged with a string of health and safety breaches after a zoo keeper was killed by a tiger, is due in court today (Monday).

David Gill is to appear before Manchester Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing.

Charges have been brought against Mr Gill and the South Lakes Safari Zoo after 24 year old Sarah McClay was attacked by a Sumatran tiger in May 2013 as she carried out her cleaning and feeding duties in a corridor of the tiger enclosure.

Gill is charged with seven breaches of the Health and Safety Act.

Charges which are also faced by the attraction itself.

Members of the armed forces were first to the scene of the fatal crash on the M6 yesterday (Sunday).

Three vehicles were involved in the collision at 12.30pm.

A man died and another was seriously injured.

The southbound stretch between junction 38 and junction 37 was closed for 9 hours - at times it was closed entirely to allow air ambulances to land on the northbound side.

It's now emerged the military helped handle the situation in the half hour before the emergency services managed to get to the scene.

Members of Liverpool's 33 Signal Squadron were returning from a training exercise at Warcop when they came across the accident.

A post on their Facebook page read: "Years of Army training put into swift action from dealing with multiple casualties to controlling the flow of traffic in torrential rain.

"I feel recommendations for the Commanding Officers Coin coming up! Proud to serve with you all... An excellent demonstration of incident management controlling the site for the 25 minutes that it took for the emergency services to reach the scene."

People were quick to add their praises to the servicemen and women on social media. Below are just two posts thanking 33 Signal Squadron:

The Furness MP has thrown his weight behind the campaign to stay in the European Union.

John Woodcock says it makes no sense to leave in terms of trade with the continent.

He feels remaining part of the EU is in South Cumbria's "economic interest."

Mr. Woodcock said: “I will be voting to stay in the European Union because it does not make sense to take the risk of cutting England off from the beneficial trade access to vital European customers which the EU grants provide. The deal that the prime minister has negotiated is not a fundamental game changer but it is an improvement and further strengthens the case for staying in. 

“For me, part is being English is having the confidence to choose what is best for our communities. For all its frustrations, remaining a member of the European Union is clearly in the economic interest of people here.”

The 2015 Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival generated almost £1m for the local economy, according to a newly-published report.

The festival, held over the weekend of 28-29 November, attracted around 13,500 people, with nearly a quarter of attendees visiting Ulverston for the first time and around half travelling from elsewhere in Cumbria and the UK.

The independent research, commissioned by South Lakeland District Council (SLDC)’s Invest in South Lakeland team, found that the average visitor spent £29 at the festival.

The event directly benefited the town centre economy, with each person or party spending around five hours in Ulverston, 79% having a meal or drink and 37% going shopping.

Staying visitors from outside Cumbria spent around £170 per person during their stay.

Last year was the 17th year of the event, which recreates the atmosphere of a traditional market town from the era of Charles Dickens.

The festival, one of the most popular of its kind in the UK, featured a variety of fun and free entertainment, including activities for children, a traditional fairground, a Christmas market, and lots of music, from folk to bass bands.

Many visitors attended in costume and took part in the period dress competition and a grand parade around the town.

Jan Hancock, chair of Ulverston Dickensian Christmas Festival committee, said: ”The festival is a wonderful event against the perfect backdrop of our historic town and, over the years, it has become a landmark occasion on many people’s calendars.

“We’ve always known that the festival brings huge benefits to the economy and that visitors love it but it’s great to see the figures in black and white, they are very impressive.

Matt Williams, from SLDC’s Invest in in South Lakeland team, said: “The Ulverston Dickensian Festival is a fantastic event which is highly thought of by visitors and local people.

“These findings show the value of the festival to the local economy, attracting many people who are likely to return in the future.

"High quality events like this showcase the best of what Ulverston and the wider area has to offer.”

For details of more upcoming events in the area, visit SLDC’s Explore South Lakeland website.