A Penrith retailer is one of the first to stock the only washing machines made in the UK.

Bakewell Sound and Vision, on Market Square, is stocking the machines made by North East manufacturer Ebac.

Mark Smith, Bakewell sales consultant, said: “There is certainly a demand for British made appliances and we are pleased to have partnered with Ebac and its latest venture to bring these British-made washing machines to our customers.”

Ebac has invested £7m in the development of its washing machines, which are the first to be manufactured in Britain for more than 10 years.

It took around 120,000 hours of research and development.

It is aiming to sign up 400 retailers across Britain which want to sell British goods.

John Elliott, chairman of Ebac, said last year the UK imported more than 30 per cent of its goods from overseas compared to less than 22 per cent in 1960s.

He added: "This equates to more than £425 billion being spent each year on goods made by overseas manufacturers, which are then imported into the UK and sold to UK shoppers.

"Almost all the money spent on imported products will end up going back overseas with only a very small amount remaining in the UK to help support economic growth and create UK jobs.

"However, all monies generated from buying 100 per cent British products remains inside the UK providing an uplift to employment and to the British economy.

“We are delighted with the support we have received from Bakewell’s, and indeed all of our retail partners.

"There seems to be a real appetite for a washing machine which is made right here in the UK.

“We should be prioritising buying British.

If people vote with their wallets, they will help rebuild our own manufacturing industries along with an expanding potential for export. We all want to support a growing economy capable of providing quality jobs for ourselves and our children, all it takes is for us to spend our money on British made goods wherever possible.”