Excitement is building as flights from Carlisle’s airport draw ever closer with a plaque thanking those who made it possible unveiled.

The airport’s aim is to help Cumbria become more accessible and attractive to businesses, while giving the county a tourism boost.

On Thursday night, business leaders gathered to see the plaque - made out of Honister slate - be unveiled and to say thank you for support.

It read: “Carlisle Lake District Airport grateful recipient of funding from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership to help deliver this brilliant airport for the people of Cumbria, the borderlands and beyond.”

Stobart Group, who own the airport, announced that Loganair flights to London Southend, Belfast and Dublin, will begin on July 4.

The leader of Carlisle City Council, Colin Glover said: “The airport is a really important gateway in to Cumbria and the Borderlands.

“We’re looking for investments from businesses looking to locate in Cumbria, but also attracting more visitors so local businesses will benefit.

“We know that there is significant growth in visitor numbers and this will make access to Cumbria much easier, such as flying in from SouthEnd, Dublin and Belfast, it’s an important gateway.

“We’re committed to the growth of the local economy and the airport will let us grow.”

Mr Glover added: “This has been a journey and its a credit to Stobart for their vision and and determination that is now paying off.”

Kate Willard, director of partnership development for Stobart Group said: “This airport doesn’t work in isolation it is part of the economic geography and part of the economic fabric of the county.

“It needs to play its role in building a sustainable economic growth in Cumbria.

“We’re making sure we’ve got the routes right, the connectivity between ourselves and London that is a key route.

“Bringing in the higher spending business from the south east and London by air thy will be an important tourism market.”

John Grainger, chairman of Carlisle Lake District Airport consultative committee said: “ The airport is very important in terms of an attractor for inward investment. Having an airport does put you on a map, which indicates you are going places.

After the announcement of proposals to upgrade the A66, he added: “It means accessibility will be easier I think that is important, with improvements it means people can leave the area, but also gives better access into the area.”

Mr Glover added: “I’m looking forward to paying a visit to the Titanic museum in Belfast.

“I wasn’t going to make the trip there until I could fly from Carlisle.”