A slice of West Cumbria has staged a takeover of Manchester city centre to showcase the best of Allerdale.

Hundreds of people have tasted some of the top food and drink produced in the borough, spoken to its leading business people, heard musicians from the area and had the opportunity to see World Rally Championship cars from Dovenby's M-Sport.

Allerdale Days in Manchester has been organised by CN Events – part of Newsquest Cumbria – on behalf of Allerdale council and is taking place in Albert Square, in the heart of Manchester, today and tomorrow.

The event features includes a beer tent with local beers from Cockermouth’s Jennings Brewery and Workington's Tractor Shed Brewery, a climbing wall and live music.

There are exhibition stands from companies and organisations including Smith Engineering, Ullswater 'Steamers', Wild and Fruitful, Cockermouth's Coffee Kitchen, Lakeland Mues, Iggesund Paperboard, Honister Slate Mine, Maryport's Senhouse Roman Museum, Workington's Carnegie Theatre, Lakes College, BEC, the University of Cumbria and Cumbria Tourism.

Event sponsor is TSP Engineering.

Mark Fryer, of Allerdale council, said: "We're here to show off the best of what we have in Allerdale.

"We have brought together big businesses, food producers and organisations to show everybody how great we are."

As a central part of the Northern Powerhouse, Manchester is seen as a key area for the borough to promote itself, said council leader Alan Smith.

“We want people to see Allerdale is a fantastic place to live, train, work and develop your career and life," he added.

Chris Sutcliffe, of Iggesund Paperboard, said: "We are here to raise the profile of industry in Allerdale.

"People recognise our packaging, such as Chanel perfume or Toblerone chocolate, but they don't the company behind the packaging. We're also here to promote career opportunities."

Jan Weir, of Honister Slate Mine, said: ""It's been really brave to put this event on and very admirable.

"The camaraderie has been lovely and it's been great to network with all of the Allerdale businesses. We're all here for the same thing, to tell Manchester how great Allerdale is."

Sue Clarke, sales and marketing manager of Cumbria Tourism, added: "We've had some really interesting conversations about the Lake District and it's surprising how many people have not been, considering how close it is. We've had some great feedback and people have been very surprised about what we have to offer."

Jo Martin, of BEC, said: "We're here to support Allerdale to sell one of the most beautiful parts of the UK to the people of Manchester."

The Allerdale Days exhibition area is open until 8pm today and 10am to 5pm tomorrow.