Camping sites in Cumbria have had a strong start to the year with visitor number up by a fifth, according to new figures.

It has been reported - by industry body Cumbria Tourism - that pitch occupancy for campers and caravanners was up by almost 20 per cent between January and June, compared to the same time last year.

Occupancy rates for self catering are also on the up, with data indicating a nine per cent increase on figures.

Cumbria Tourism claims that the figures for April, May and June were particularly impressive with unit occupancy topping 70 per cent in June.

This is the highest ever for self catering in the county.

These statistics also reveal that room occupancy for serviced accommodation is currently up two per cent on last year.

The occupancy rates last month reached 74 per cent, which matches figures from last year, and which were already the highest recorded in June for more than a decade.

The news comes hot on the heels of recent figures from the International Passenger Survey (IPS), carried out by the National Office of Statistics. These indicate a 26 per cent increase in overseas trips to Cumbria.

The research manager at Cumbria Tourism, Helen Tate, said: "The data we have gathered from tourism businesses shows the underlying strength and resilience of our sector.

"Whilst the main growth has come from camping, caravanning, and self catering, there have been increases across the board and these figures suggest there is a great deal to feel positive about.

"At the same time, the International Passenger Survey indicates continuing growth in our international markets, a trend underlined by our most recent Cumbria Visitor Survey, and evidence from individual tourism businesses.

"With two World Heritage sites, Cumbria now has an even more compelling message to help attract visitors from across the globe as we look forward to the next 12 months."

Cumbria Tourism is the official tourist board for the Lake District.