West Cumbria's first live escape room wants to expand after only 18 months in business due to its success.

Lakes Escapes, which is based on Peart Road, Workington, wants to take over the former Nacro NCT building on Stanley Street.

Owner Carol Watson, who opened Lakes Escapes in April 2017, has applied to Allerdale council to change the use of the building.

She hopes the new premises can host six themed escapes rooms, where teams of up to six people have up to 60 minutes to solve puzzles and find clues to unlock the room.

Carol said: "We dipped our toes in and we didn't know how successful it was going to be, it could have gone completely wrong and that's a risk that we took. But it's been great, we get a lot of tourists which is fantastic, because once we get them here we try to keep them in the area by recommending other places."

Carol said the new premises would also be accessible for wheelchair users.

She said: "We've had enquiries in the past from youth groups visiting the Lake District wanting something to do in the evening or when it's raining but unfortunately we had to turn them away because we are on the first floor and there's no disabled access. The new premises would be ideal because it's all on one level."

Carol said the former Nacro building Lakes Escapes wants to expand to has stood empty for some time.

"The harbour is an up and coming area with new builds taking place. We really hope the local public will get behind us and support us," she said.

In a statement prepared for Allerdale council's planners, Carol also said the town centre was not a suitable location for the family-friendly attraction.

She said: "A number of escape games are taking the decision to base themselves out of town and on industrial estates in order to avoid areas that are known for drinking alcohol. Escape games are a fun activity and they require a clear head and focus, neither of which alcohol provides. We do not want to attract customers who are under the influence of alcohol and therefore an out of town location with its own parking area is ideal for families, groups of friends, youth groups and corporate groups to attend without the need to find alternative parking away from the venue."

Allerdale council has launched a consultation on the plans and people have a chance to comment until August 28.