Published at 13:28, Friday, 22 February 2013

IT IS HOPED that Cumbria Day, which showcased the county in London last week, will become an annual event.

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Prime Minister David Cameron was among 100 MPs who attended the inaugural Cumbria Day event in Parliament.

It was organised by Sir Tony Cunningham, the county’s five other MPs, Cumbria Tourism and Taste Cumbria.

The celebration of Cumbria included food and drink from the county, including the Lake District Cheese Company from Aspatria.

Also attending were representatives from businesses like Flimby’s New Balance footwear firm and the Cumberland Pencil Company, which is based at Lillyhall

Sir Tony said: “It was a fantastic event and the Jubilee Rooms, where it was held, was packed all day. It really helped to raise the profile of the area and gave us reason to take stock and feel proud of our county.

“It would be great if we could turn it into an annual event. It was an incredibly successful event and a wonderful showcase.”

More than 20 producers showed off their wares.

David Sharrock, managing director of the Cumberland Pencil Company, said: “It’s about raising the profile of our company and getting support to grow tourism. There was a real buzz about Cumbria Day.”

David Little, a site representative from The Lake District Cheese Company in Aspatria, said: “I was very proud to represent the site at Cumbria Day. I’ve worked there for 37 years but the brand is relatively new.

“It’s great to be able to promote the brand and get feedback.”

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said he was “overwhelmed and proud” at how the Cumbrian producers had captured the imagination.

Cumbria Tourism chairman Eric Robson described the day as a “tremendous success”.

Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk