Calls are being made for more training opportunities to be created for young Cumbrians to help fill hospitality vacancies across the county.

Mike Starkie, the elected mayor of Copeland, wants to see greater emphasis placed on providing opportunities for Cumbrian school leavers to help fill the roles.

In a meeting with Gill Haig, the CEO of Cumbria Tourism, he also discussed the possibility of attracting more visitors out of the busy areas of the central Lake District to the west of the county and to Carlisle.

He singled out history, shopping and coastal walks as key offers to tourists coming to the area.

Mr Starkie said: "We've had a lot of success offering training in construction skills and other qualifications appropriate to the nuclear and engineering sectors but we shouldn't forget that the county also has a lot to offer in the hospitality industry as well.

"I would like to see more local people offered the chance to train to fit the needs of that sector.

"We have to offer courses and careers for all sectors and I'd like to see if there's anything we can do to assist."

He added: "The tourism industry is of vital importance to Cumbria and I couldn't be more supportive."