Customers using Carlisle Lake District Airport for the new commercial passenger flights from June 4 will be able to park for free.

The finishing touches are being put in place at the airport ahead of daily flights to London Southend, Dublin and Belfast City airports.

The flights are seen as a major boost to the area and will be the first of their kind out of Carlisle since 1993.

In a further boost airport operators Stobart Group have announced that people will be able to access free parking.

The car park, which will include four disabled spots and 66 other spaces, is currently being built by Stobart Rail and Civils alongside the airport’s new terminal.

Routes have already gone on sale. Tickets are available via www.loganair.co.uk.

Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, said: “We are delighted to announce that Carlisle Lake District Airport customers will be able to benefit from free parking from 4 June.

"What a better way to demonstrate that Cumbria and the Lake District is open for business?

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the messages of support that we have received over social media and everyone I have met in the region over the last few months is so excited about this project.

"I would especially like to thank our partners, Loganair, who are just brilliant. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to book online.”

The move comes after Stobart Group was awarded £4.95m by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to develop the airport.