Organisers of the Keswick Convention have given assurances to locals that they will act responsibly amid the growing concerns of visitor numbers to the Lake District this summer.

The gathering of Christians usually attracts 12,000 people during its three-week run, which this year, will come when the town is expected to be inundated by post-lockdown staycationers.

Keswick Ministries runs the convention, whose director, James Robson, told town councillors he was aware of “extraordinary figures” about the number of holidaymakers who would be coming to the Lakes this year. “Forty million, I have heard," said Mr Robson.

In their latest online briefing Mr. Robson reassured councillors that plans were already in place to ensure that the convention, from July 17 to August 6, runs smoothly while also maintaining social distancing regulations for everyone in attendance.