A MARKETING campaign showcasing the Lake District ahead of its World Heritage bid has been shortlisted for an award.

The 'Evolving Masterpiece' campaign for Unesco World Heritage status was named as a finalist in the “best not-for-profit campaign” category at the 2016 Northern Marketing Awards.

The Lake District National Park is up against Oxfam, Everton Football Club and Visit County Durham to take home the grand prize at the official awards ceremony on October 19 in Manchester.

The campaign has reached more than six million people across social media channels, featured in more than 350 articles and gained support from almost 6,000 visitors at Lake District shows and festivals.

Jayne Pugh, head of people and communications at the Lake District National Park, said: “To be shortlisted amongst some of the North’s most recognisable brands is a huge achievement.

“The Evolving Masterpiece campaign is enabling us to connect with visitors and residents in a meaningful way through experiential marketing opportunities, which stand out from the regular offer at shows and events.

“This has led to more than 90 per cent of people we have engaged with saying they back the bid for World Heritage status in July 2017.”

The campaign has also been supported by The Herdy Company, which saw the introduction of a new logo for the campaign, a special version of herdy’s trademark brand inspired by the iconic Herdwick sheep.

Supporters of the Lake District National Park took to social media to say “I’ve herd” about the World Heritage Bid.

Spencer Hannah, co-founder of Herdy, says: “We’re really proud to be helping the English Lake District become the UK’s first National Park to be awarded World Heritage Status.

“Herdy’s purpose is to be the warm and welcoming face of the bid and make the whole world smile and join in with the love for this very special place.”

The full list of nominees is here:

Catapult PR & One Britain One Nation – Count Me In

Click Consult & Oxfam – Bloggers Against Poverty

Different & Visit County Durham – Durham Place of Light

Everton in the Community & Kenyon Fraser and Brickhouse Production – Proud to be Blue

ilk & WorldSkills UK – The Skills Show, The Skills Journey

Key 103's Cash for Kids – Superhero Day 2016 On behalf of When You Wish Upon A Star

Lake District National Park Authority – An Evolving Masterpiece (the Lake District World Heritage bid campaign)

MC2 Manchester – Business Heavyweights