Last updated at 10:58, Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Dozens of firms are preparing to dazzle ministers in a Cumbrian showcase today.

Cumbria flag outside the Houses of Parliament

Cumbria Day began in the Houses of Parliament at 10.30am and is showcasing the best of the county’s food and drink to an audience of MPs and Lords.

Representatives from the tourism, farming, food, drink and the nuclear sectors will be present along with a range of businesses keen to have their products sampled by MPs and - if they are lucky - party leaders such as Prime Minister David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

 The event has been organised by the county's MPs, Cumbria Tourism and Taste Cumbria.

Among the food companies taking part are Appleby Creamery, artisan cheese producer, Cranstons, Dalemain Marmalade Festival, Grasmere Gingerbread, Hawkshead Brewery, Hawkshead Relish, The Lake District Cheese Company, The Toffee Shop, Penrith and Thornby Moor Dairy.

Hospitality organisations including Cumbria Tourism, Hadrian's Wall Heritage, Augill Castle, Cumbria Mountain Rescue Service, English Lakes Hotels, VisitEngland, Connecting Cumbria, and the Lake District National Park Authority are also involved.

First published at 10:13, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk