A well-known Cumbrian broadcaster has been appointed as the new president of the organisation tasked with driving forward the county's £3bn tourism industry.

TV and radio presenter Eric Robson will take over from long-standing President Lord Inglewood who stepped down at Cumbria Tourism's Annual General Meeting today.

Eric has been a member of Cumbria Tourism's executive board since 2002 - much of that time as chairman. He is credited for helping to guide Cumbria Tourism through some key challenges including the impact of Storm Desmond in 2015.

Lord Inglewood, who has been part of the organisation for 15 years, said: “It has been my great honour and privilege to serve as president of Cumbria Tourism.

"Although I have taken the personal decision to step down from the role, I firmly believe my successor Eric Robson will do an outstanding job.

“Through my work as chairman of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, I will continue to support the industry and will take every opportunity to advocate and support Cumbria’s diverse tourism sector and all the hardworking businesses that contribute to its continuing success.”

The meeting, at Roundthorn Country House Hotel, near Penrith, also saw the appointment of three new non-executive directors, who will offer specialist knowledge and expertise to the organisation in three key areas; small business operation, professional services, and PR and communications.

Carl Bevan, of Associated British Ports, will be non-executive director for professional services or supply chain for the tourism industry, while Justin Farnan, of the Lake District Calvert Trust, will take up the position for public relations and communications.

Mike Turner of Treetop Trek, will take on the role for small tourism business operation.

Each newly appointed non-executive director will hold office for a term of three years. They will then retire and be eligible for re-election for a maximum of three terms.

The changes also see the end of a 12 year tenure on Cumbria Tourism’s executive board for Haydn Spedding, of commercial property company Colliers International, who stepped down as non-executive director.