A free business breakfast will be held in Carlisle next Friday, with special guest Kate Willard, of Stobart Group.

Mrs Willard is director of partnership at the infrastructure and logistics firm and is co-ordinating the launch of commercial flights from Carlisle airport for the first time in more than 25 years on July 4.

Loganair will operate flights to and from London Southend, Dublin and Belfast from the airport.

The breakfast event has been organised by Carlisle Youth Zone and legal firm Baines Wilson.

Mrs Willard will talk about the final stages of the airport, its future, and her vision as to how important the airport will be for Carlisle and Cumbria as whole.

Organisers said she will also share her own story at the event.

They said: "Having only one qualification as a trained actress, Kate believes her unconventional path to success has helped her overcome many of the obstacles that have faced the airport’s development."

Lynsey Buckle, development manager at Carlisle Youth Zone, who is hosting the event, said: “As well as spearheading the opening of the airport, Kate is a shining example of what people that have less conventional academic backgrounds can achieve.

"As an organisation that is committed to developing and fulfilling the potential of young people, we’re thrilled that Kate will be speaking at Carlisle Youth Zone.”

Joanne Holborn, of Baines Wilson, which is sponsoring the event, added: “Having an airport on our doorstep will undoubtedly bring benefits to business across Cumbria.

"We encourage anyone who is keen to find out more to attend this event.”

The business breakfast will be held between 8am and 10am on Friday June 28 and will include refreshments.

To reserve a place, email m.winn@baineswilson.co.uk