THE Lake District has been voted Holiday Destination of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine awards 2014-15.

Now in their fourth year, the awards celebrate both the countryside and the people who make it special.

They were launched in the January issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine and featured 12 categories each containing a shortlist nominated by expert judges.

Readers voted online, by email and by post.

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism said: “We are extremely proud.This recognition is testament to the fantastic range of visitor experiences we have on offer. From quality accommodation, quirky attractions, fabulous food and drink, rich cultural experiences all set amongst the most stunning backdrop of mountains and lakes.

"The award is also a welcomed boost for the 56,000 people who work in Cumbria’s £2.1 billion tourism industry, it is the sum total of all these efforts that make this destination such a success.”

Countryfile Magazine editor Fergus Collins said: “This is our way of saying thank you to the people and places that make the countryside so special. The awards clearly roused great passion and amassed thousands of votes, a testament to the strong contenders in each category. It was a closely fought competition generating great interest. Our winners can be justly proud of their titles – they have been endorsed as outstanding examples in their field by our readership.”