Lake District becomes World Heritage site
The Lake District has become a World Heritage Site joining iconic locations such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as a place of international acclaim.
The announcement was made today in Krakow. The bid for UNESCO recognition in the cultural landscape category was put together by 25 organisations in the Lake District National Park Partnership, who say they are "jubilant" at the news.
Chairman of the Partnership, Lord Clark of Windermere, says the prestigious status will bring great benefits for locals, visitors, tourism, businesses and farming:
The Lake District now joins just over 1,000 World Heritage Sites worldwide.
Three key themes underpinned the bid for World Heritage Site status, recognising the Lake District National Park as a cultural landscape of international significance. These include world ranking examples of identity - the dramatic farmed landscape; inspiration - art, literature and love of the place.
Lake District National Park Chief Executive, Richard Leafe, said there was great excitement over the achievement: