Ambitious plans are underway for Lakes Hospitality Trade Show next year following the launch of a new partnership.

The show has developed over the past 30 years into one of the longest -running events of its kind in the north of England.

It is new preparing for an expanded show in March thanks to a new partnership between the Lakes Hospitality Association (LHA) and Cumbria Tourism.

The two-day event at the J36 Rural Auction Centre at Milnthorpe in south Cumbria will be held on March 7 and 8, will host a wide range of hospitality businesses including tourist attractions, food and drink suppliers and support services such as IT technology and catering equipment.

There will also be a series of interactive workshops run by Cumbria Tourism on topics including digital marketing, PR and new data protection regulations.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, added: “The new partnership is an exciting development which will bring a fresh dimension to an event which has continued to grow and expand over the past three decades.

"The Lakes Hospitality Association is well-regarded by businesses and we believe that working together will help us to provide the maximum impact and support that our vibrant and diverse tourism sector deserves.”

James Tasker, director of the Lakes Hospitality Association, said: “The Lakes Hospitality Trade Show has a fantastic heritage.

"It’s important that the show continues to evolve, and we are teaming up with Cumbria Tourism to help diversify what’s on offer to businesses and reach further into new and emerging markets.

“Our ultimate aim is to make the 2018 Lakes Hospitality Trade Show the biggest and best yet, so we can re-direct profits from the event back into the hospitality sector.

"Most recently, the money generated has helped to ensure that the Windermere Tourist Information Centre remained open, and we are committed to providing that practical support that the industry needs.”