ONE of Cumbria's top tourist attractions is to get an education and learning boost.

Lowther Castle near Penrith is working in partnership with The Ernest Cook Trust to recruit a brand new outdoor learning officer.

The successful applicant will be responsible for launching a new programme of educational visits for schools and young people using the woodlands, ancient gardens and Gothic Castle ruins and wider Lowther Park.

The full-time outdoor learning officer is expected to be in post by January. Applications for the new role closed earlier this week.

The successful candidate will work alongside Lowther Castle’s existing team.

They will take responsibility for planning and delivering outdoor learning sessions to provide curriculum-based learning as well as informal and lifelong learning opportunities.

The role will involve liaising with schools, colleges, universities and community groups to shape a lively and innovative programme over the next three years.

The Ernest Cook Trust aims to inspire young people to achieve by learning from the land, providing over 33,000 educational visits each year across its seven landed estates.

Founded in 1952 by philanthropist Ernest Cook, the trust is now forming partnerships with like-minded organisations to expand its educational impact.

Dr Victoria Edwards, chief executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said: "We’re delighted to partner with Lowther Castle in Cumbria to continue to expand our educational impact.

"This is a natural fit for The Ernest Cook Trust as we collaborate more and build partnerships with like-minded organisations and estates.

"At Lowther we particularly hope to work with school leavers to facilitate land-based training and placement opportunities which will lead to their ongoing employment and career development."

Lowther Castle near to the Lake District National Park and boasts over 1,000 acres of parkland, gardens and woodlands across the estate.

The award-winning Lowther Castle is set in 130 acres of ancient woodlands and gardens and includes one of the largest adventure play areas in the country and a thriving population of red squirrels.

Earlier this year, Lowther Castle won Best Large Visitor Attraction in the annual Cumbria Tourism awards.

Open all year round, apart from Christmas Day, the castle and gardens host a number of themed events throughout the year.

Last week focussed on Halloween and on Sunday it will celebrate Bonfire Night.

Claire Logan-Stephens, head of marketing, events and groups at Lowther Castle, said: "We are delighted to be working with The Ernest Cook Trust as it will give us a unique opportunity to develop an innovative and fresh approach to outdoor learning here in Cumbria.

"We are also looking forward to working in close partnership with primary, secondary and tertiary educational establishments, to ensure we are fulfilling what they feel is missing in the local area."