Plans for a zip wire attraction at Thirlmere have been backed by two major Cumbrian organisations.

Treetop Trek unveiled its vision to create a new attraction, dubbed Thirlmere Activity Hub, in July.

It would feature two zip lines and an 18km family-friendly cycle way and would be located within the managed forestry around Thirlmere, with the lines stretching from one side of the lake to the other.

Treetop Trek said the plans had been backed by Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District Park Partnership Business Task Force and claimed the project would boost the county's tourism industry and local economy out of season, with 52 per cent of its business being done during off-peak months.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: β€œThe Lake District is well-known as a leading destination for adventure activities and this application is a great example of an innovative development which will particularly appeal to the 16 to 34-year-old age group.

"It is vitally important that we reach younger audiences, both domestically and internationally, in order to build repeat visits and ensure the long-term sustainability of our tourism industry.

"As the proposal also includes a valuable cycle way, it will also further enhance Cumbria's reputation as a top destination for cycling.”

Nick Lancaster, chairman of The Lake District Park Partnership Business Task Force, added: "The activity hub at Thirlmere represents an evolution of the Lake District visitor offering and would be more appealing to a new generation of visitor.

"Within the business task force there was overwhelming support for the project - a substantial majority of the businesses were supportive.”

The backing comes after Friends of the Lake District called on people to object to the attraction, believing it was at odds with planning policies to protect the landscape and promote tourism.

It also expressed concerned over traffic and visitor management and said the project would impact on the 'beauty and tranquility' of the Thirlmere Valley and set a precedent for more commercial development in the area.

People can comment on the application to the Lake District National Park Authority until January 2.