“I HOPE to offer a new perspective of what the Lake District has to offer.”

That was the message from the owner of a fashion company who has been appointed as an ambassador at a charity devoted to caring for the national park.

Lee Paton, who owns an eponymous fashion house in London and is planning to move the business to Cumbria, said it would be ‘an honour’ to represent the Lake District Foundation.

Mr Paton grew up in Barrow and said he hoped to promote the foundation to ‘new international audiences’ through his work.

“Growing up close to the rugged fells and peaceful tarns I have always been passionate about the romance, history and heritage of the Lake District, fascinated by the stories from its past, many of which have inspired my work,” he said.

“The national park has been a place of creative motivation to historic artists of many forms and remains a region of immense inspiration through its remarkable beauty.

"The important work of the Lake District Foundation helps secure the future of a natural beauty that will continue to inspire generations for years to come, and I am humbled to be able to play my part as a new addition to such a noble cause."