CUMBRIA'S MPs went on a tour of reopening tourist businesses to witness the steps taken to ensure the visitor health after the lockdown.

About 20 sites across the county were visited to help raise awareness of the 'We’re Good To Go' seal of approval from VisitEngland, to show they are ready to welcome tourists back.

The visits were co-ordinated by Cumbria Tourism.

MPs included Workington's Mark Jenkinson, Furness MP Simon Fell, Dr Neil Hudson of Penrith & The Borders, Carlisle MP John Stevenson and Westmorland MP Tim Farron.

Jim Walker, chairman of Cumbria Tourism, said: “We wanted to join our MPs on this tour to mark the beginning of what is a critical phase for our industry and to show potential visitors how seriously they take their wellbeing.

"It provided a great opportunity for our local MPs to hear from operators throughout the county about the huge challenges the industry is facing and the work going on to open again.

“Our MPs were really interested in every effort that’s being made at more than twenty businesses which were visited.

"We hope the tour also provided a real insight into the losses suffered by businesses so far, and the help they need from the government to prevent hardship.”

Mr Walker joined Dr Hudson and Mr Stevenson where they visited English Heritage staff at Carlisle Castle and The Halston Aparthotel, in the city – here Mr Stevenson heard about the accommodation’s vital work in hosting key workers in lockdown.

The Tranquil Otter luxury lodges, Askham Hall, Tullie House, Lanercost, Artlegarth Lodges and Ullswater Steamers were also included in their tours.

Mr Jenkinson visited the Lake District Calvert Trust on Friday morning where he was met by Justin Farnan a director of Cumbria Tourism and a manager at the charity, along with charity trustee Stuart Lothian.