A world-famous food producer from the Lake District has reported a boost in online sales after it was forced to close its famous green door due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread closed earlier this week in response to Government guidelines – what promises to be the longest forced closure in the businesses 166 year history.

The company’s director Joanne Hunter, said she “remains positive” after customers responded by switching their shopping to the internet.

“The closure has been hard to take but we have a strong connection with our customers and the online sales are getting us through,” she said.

“We are lucky that we have the 166 years behind us and those still ordering from us feel positive. 

“Many of our online orders are gifts and the personal messages on them just go to show how delicious food can bring good feelings at this uncertain time.”

The company was founded by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854 and has become a mainstay for tourists and locals.