By their very nature, predators tend to get a bad name.

But there's one South Lakeland couple who have been working continuously to restore their reputation by offering people the chance to get up close.

Dee and Daniel Ashman have run Predator Experience since 2009, featuring birds of prey. In 2012, they introduced Timber Wolves Maska and Kajika.

Visitors can walk with the wolf hybrids over fells or through forests and learn how to communicate with the wild cousins of dogs.

The popular attraction is open year-round but its facilities at present are limited.

Now, the couple want to expand their business by creating a £950,000 visitor centre on their land.

Mrs Ashman said: "We want to give people the best possible experience from the time they arrive to the time they leave.

"If we get planning permission, this new centre will allow us to do this."

Mr Ashman added: "If the weather is bad, we have to rearrange or cancel people's bookings. People come from across the country to visit here and it's disappointing if they can't take part.

"The new centre would have an indoor arena so for the falconry experiences, if it is wet, we can fly indoors."

The new centre also features interaction rooms, a hospital for the wild animals the couple rescue and nurse back to health, a conference room, and a reception area.

The Ashmans care passionately about conservation and education and want to make sure their visitors understand what part predators play in the eco-system.

Mr Ashman added: "They are an essential part of how our world works. We need to protect the predators we have left in the wild."

Predator Experience is just two miles from Humphrey Head, which is known as the place that the last wolf in England was killed in the 14th century.

Mrs Ashman said: "Wolves will never be reintroduced into the Lake District, although I know it gets talked about from time to time. There isn't enough room for them out there.

"But we can show people what wolves are like and talk to our visitors about their history and behaviours in a completely safe environment."

Although it isn't a zoo in a traditional sense, the couple do hold a zoo licence, which was renewed in 2015.

An independent report into Predator Experience's economic impact, as part of its planning application, revealed that it brings £353,000 a year into the local economy at present.

The report estimates that the new centre will bring in £1.1 million.

Predator Experience's planning application is due to be submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority this week.