FEARS that sight-seers would flock to Cumbria during the first weekend after lockdown rules were eased were not realised, says the county's most senior public health official.

Colin Cox said initial evidence suggested that the county was busier than it has been but visitors who did come followed social distancing rules.

"It wasn't as busy as we'd feared it might be," he said.

Mr Cox said he was pleased to learn that planned gatherings by lockdown protesters - in Carlisle's Bitts Park, in Penrith, and in Workington - were ignored.

"Nobody turned up," he said, adding that it showed his faith in the good sense of Cumbrians was justified.

In London, police made 19 arrests during a protest at Hyde Park.

Among those arrested Jeremy Corbyn's brother Piers.

Some claimed that the pandemic was "fabricated" as an excuse to remove freedoms.

Hundreds of people gathered to object at how their freedom of movement is being curtailed, with some holding placards and banners declaring "freedom over fear".

Carlisle city councillor Lee Sherriff joined the many people who criticised the group on Facebook.

She wrote: "Each and every one of those ‘protesters’ should be made to sign a form saying that, if they catch Covid-19 and need medical help, it will not be given.

"Also, if they are so certain that the virus isn’t dangerous and is all fabricated, why are some of them wearing masks?"