Cockermouth’s Wordsworth House and Garden is a finalist in the 2019 Cumbria Tourism Awards – 80 years after local people saved it from demolition.

Poet William’s childhood home has been short-listed for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the awards, which recognise the very best of the county’s tourism offer.

Wordsworth House visitor experience manager Zoe Gilbert said: "We’re absolutely delighted to have been chosen as a finalist, as Wordsworth House and Garden has so much to offer visitors and locals.

"We’re especially proud to be up for the 2019 award. It is 80 years this summer since William’s birthplace was first opened to the public, after a local campaign to prevent it being knocked down and turned into a bus station gained worldwide support and culminated in the house being presented to the National Trust.

"We’re celebrating with two major exhibitions taking very different perspectives on our fragile and ever-changing relationship with the world around us.

"We chose the subject not just because it’s topical today, but because it was something that mattered a great deal to William, who was one of the founding fathers of the global conservation movement.

"We also have a series of talks and special events, and a new display telling the story of this unique family home in the 20th century."

The display includes photos of the Ellis family who lived in the house in the 1930s.

"They almost sealed the house’s fate, not only by selling it for demolition but by almost (accidentally) burning it down on several occasions," said a spokesman.

The CT awards will be announced on Wednesday, June 19.