This year's holiday period is unlikely to set another tourism record for Cumbria.

After two hugely successful summers, the shadow of Brexit is having an effect on the number of visitors this month.

Jim Walker, chairman of Cumbria Tourism sounded the warning as he marked the first month of scheduled flights at the revamped Carlisle and Lake District Airport this week.

"We have had some strong years recently, but there is some concern over Brexit and some consumers are holding back," he admitted.

"Domestically and in Europe, there are people concerned about their savings and holidaying because of what might happen in the autumn.

"Brexit has weakened interest. Business has not been as sustained as last year, but we still have the autumn and autumn breaks are very important."

He said the news surrounding the relaunch of the airport and the marketing surrounding the three new scheduled services to Southend, Belfast and Dublin had boosted the profile of the county as a destination.

"We've had no hard figures yet about how many people have flown in, but we do know that Carlisle visitor centre has had a lot of inquiries about the airport," he said.

"Our members are very excited about it and we are working hard in all three destinations to promote the county. The south east is a big market for us."

The tourism group has carried out digital marketing at all three airports in the schedule, running competitions in local press and compiling databases.

"The airport has raised the profile of Cumbria in general, and anything we can do to dispel the myth that Cumbria is difficult to get is helpful," says Mr Walker.

He welcomed the news that the Honister Slate Mine has been given government approval for a zip wire after a 12-year battle over the scheme.

In 2018 the plans were given the go-ahead by the Lake District National Park Authority subject to conditions but Natural England, Friends of the Lake District and Cumbria Wildlife Trust have been lobbying the Secretary of State to call in the planning application which has now been declined.

Mr Walker said: "I'm delighted with the result. It is an exciting opportunity. We have a challenge in ensuring we attract younger markets as well as mature."

Once the holiday period is over, work will get underway on the new crossing at Pooley Bridge.

Work on the new £5m replacement for the 252-year-old bridge swept away by Storm Desmond is due to start next month.

The steel skeleton is expected to go in place in November with various works then taking until April or May 2020.

A series of events in the village taking place during the works are being drawn up to get the message across that it remains open for business.

Mr Walker, who is  Tourism Advisor for Lake District Estates and Ullswater Steamers, said: "It is our understanding that at the beginning of September a new footbridge will be placed and link the two sides during the construction.

"There will be a period for a small number of days when the footbridge will be inaccessible while the bridge is placed.

"While there will be no road bridge, there will be a footbridge providing access across the Eamont river all the time.

"The county council have done their best to minimise disruption and we are arranging a series of events during the construction. Our challenge is to ensure Pooley Bridge is open for business."