The airline to run planes from Carlisle Airport will be announced at the end of January.

Stephen Smith, the airport's general manager, told a packed meeting of Carlisle Ambassadors yesterday that discussions were ongoing with a number of airlines.

He said: "I obviously can't mention any names but we are hoping to make an announcement about the start-up airline at the end of January."

Mr Smith said June was the date earmarked for services to start.

As a minimum, two services a day will fly to Southend, Dublin and Belfast.

Work has already begun to upgrade the runway at the airport and Mr Smith told delegates it would be completed by May next year.

It is hoped the north-south runway will be available for existing users by the second week of January.

Mr Smith stepped in to talk to delegates when train cancellations meant scheduled speaker Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, could not make the event at the city's Milton Hilltop Hotel.

More than 200 people attended the Carlisle Ambassadors meeting, which was co-organised by Kate Wilson, of St Bees.

Jane Meek, corporate director of economic development at Carlisle City council, spoke about the challenges Carlisle will face in the next 12 months and the opportunities, including St Cuthbert's Garden Village – a 30-year scheme which could see the creation of 10,000 homes, employment opportunities, infrastructure including schools, and a road across the south of the city and the Borderlands initiative, which brings together Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council to promote the economic growth and competitiveness of the area that straddles the Scotland and England border.

Alistair Fell, of the Carlisle-based Prospus Group, told delegates about his career, from selling curry in his student flat to running his expanding property consultancy and a panel of experts answered questions from the floor about Brexit, the Northern Powerhouse and encouraging culture.

Mrs Wilson said: "Looking round the room at over 200 positive people fully engaged with the goal of ensuring that Carlisle is the place to be, filled me with optimism about the city’s future.

"We all know that there are uncertain times ahead for the whole country, but there are positive developments with the airport, Garden Village and Borderlands.

"Carlisle Ambassadors have a big part to play in making sure that we both retain and attract talent, and are considered as a top choice to live, work, invest, study and visit."