Penrith and the Border's MP welcomed the return of wedding venues to operations, describing them as "vital" to the local economy.

Dr Neil Hudson made the comments following a visit to Eden Barn, a boutique wedding venue in Little Musgrave, Kirkby Stephen.

A family-run venue operating since May 2016, the popular location has since hosted more than 25,000 guests.

Dr Hudson stressed that venues such as Eden Barn, run by Cliff and Carolyn Harker, are "vital to our local economy."

“I am thrilled that venues such as the Eden Barn can now open their doors again for viewings and small weddings. This will make a huge difference for so many businesses as well as the happy couples and their families," he said.

"Not only are they personally hosting visitors but bringing economic benefit to many other local businesses and showcasing our constituency at its best.

"I am delighted that they can now move forward through this difficult time and are looking to the coming year with such a strong and positive attitude.

"It is vitally important to keep people safe throughout this pandemic and I am pleased that weddings and viewings can now safely go ahead and businesses such as the Eden Barn can plan for the future.”