New guidelines for Carlisle buskers have made the city one of the most "welcoming places to perform in northern England", according to campaigners.

Produced in collaboration with campaign group Keep Streets Live, the new busking code of conduct for Carlisle city centre have been drawn up by Cumbria Police and the city council.

Keep Streets Live's director Chester Bingley said the new guidelines put Carlisle "on the map" when it comes to encouraging live city centre music performances.

“It has been fantastic to work with Carlisle City Council and Cumbria Police to produce this guidance, which puts the city on the map, alongside York, Liverpool and Chester as one of the most forward-thinking and welcoming places to perform in northern England," Mr Bingley said.

“We hope this leads the way to a similar approach across the rest of the county.

"The official release of the document will also coincide with the beginning of Keeps Streets Live’s first Street Music Month which will celebrate and raise awareness of busking across the UK.”

Cumbria Police Inspector Di Bradbury said that the new code of conduct "has been a great piece of collaborative work bringing improved and strengthened relationships with all those involved".

"The code of conduct will support Carlisle City Centre residents, businesses and those who come to entertain.

“The police and the city council want Carlisle city centre to offer balanced, fairly located pitches and a welcoming place for street entertainers to visit and play, whilst supporting the residents and businesses to also have a fair and balanced experience.”

A spokesman from Carlisle City Council thanked the police, Keep Streets Live and the local busking community for their support in drawing up the new code of conduct.

"We welcome busking in the city centre but as some areas are more sensitive to noise, the guidelines set out some clear advice on what is and is not permitted," the spokesman said.