IF areas of the UK were divided into “football tables” to reflect their natural assets ours would be in the Premier League – but we might be in danger of scoring an own goal when it comes to maximising the benefits.

No-one who has gazed at the shimmering Lake District mountains from Walney on a summer afternoon or crunched through winter snow in the outer court of Furness Abbey can fail to be stunned by the beauty of it all.

Our backyard oozes history; the 14th century castle on Piel Island was, in 1487, a silent witness to the anchoring of rebel ships which carried Irish and German mercenaries on their ill-fated attempt to remove Henry VII from the English throne and replace him with teenage pretender Lambert Simnel.

The lesser-known byways of the Furness peninsula abound with interesting nuggets such as the “haunted” lantern of Plumpton Hall and off the A590 is Swarthmoor Hall, which featured in the development of the Quaker movement in the 16th century.

Hoad Monument – built in 1850 in honour of Ulverston-born Sir John Barrow, a naval explorer and second secretary to the Admiralty – stands guard over one of the bonniest market towns in the realm.

But in an age when tourism is becoming an increasingly important driver for local economies there are disquieting signs that we are not making the most of what Furness has on offer.

Cumbria and the Lake District are big-pull attractions that bring in millions of visitors – many from all corners of the globe.

In 2017 more than 47m people headed for our country which comprised 40.7m day trippers and 6.6m overnight visitors.

These visitors brought in £2.9bn to the region’s economy and provided employment for almost 38,000 full-time equivalent posts.

Furness does attract visitors but the numbers could be much higher.

And so next Friday, in partnership with Cumbria Tourism, I will be hosting a special tourism summit from 10am to 1pm in the Williams Room in Ulverston’s Ford Park.

A good number of stakeholders will be attending and the plan is to explore ways of raising the profile of our wonderful area and take advantage of the increased footfall in the Lake District.

Staying with stunning scenery and outdoor pursuits, an important weekend is appearing on the horizon.

On Saturday, May 11 thousands of runners and walkers will take part in the Keswick-to-Barrow and Coniston-to-Barrow challenges. As a K2B survivor my thoughts will be with them all.

The following day I will be getting into the saddle for the 20th Fred Whitton cycling event and I am both enthused and apprehensive by the prospect of embarking on this 100-miler which takes in three mountain passes and several hard climbs.

Many good causes will benefit from the event, and I have chosen to raise funds for the Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team.

Please consider sponsoring me by going online to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JWoodcock MP or by dropping into my offices in Barrow or Ulverston.