SEE Cumbria from a different perspective in the latest television programme to explore the county.

The BBC’s popular Secret Britain series returns to the small screen tonight at 9pm.

The first episode of the third series sees the BBC One show's presenters head to the Lake District to explore some of the county’s less well-known treasures.

Every year about 16.5m people head to the region to explore the likes of Ullswater, Windermere and climb Scafell Park. The programme aims to showcase the rest of the county and the many opportunities on offer within its 60,000 acres.

Presenter Ellie Harrison is seen parachuting 14,000ft to discover a more unique view of the stunning scenery – once she gets through the cloud – and see how vast England’s most popular national park actually is.

She then gets let in on the secret of an ancient and long-forgotten part of the Cumbrian landscape.

Fellow female presenter and former athlete Denise Lewis is seen taking on the most gruelling of the trio’s challenges, as she dons her lycra and heads out on her bike to take on Hardknott Pass – the second highest pass in Britain.

The third presenter, Chris Hollins, is joined by a familiar and popular local face as Leo Houlding helps him take on Troutdale Pinnacle.

He is coaxed up the sheer cliff face so he can indulge in a spectacular view.

Regular television viewers are already set to become familiar with the county’s stunning beauty as it is the location for the popular new BBC drama The A-Word, the second episode of which aired last night.