A PUB called in local companies to find an innovative way of protecting outdoor drinkers and diners from the north Cumbrian elements.

The Pheasant Inn, Cumwhinton, opened its outdoor drinking and dining facility last weekend with help from the nearby Cumbria Marquees and Ember Air, a firm based in Heads Nook which specialises in 'space heating'.

They've put their heads together so customers can enjoy a meal in warmth and comfort, ensuring they also follow social distancing, outdoor dining rules.

They've used new air circulation technologies to ensure patrons stay warm even when the sides of the marquee have to stay open.

Peter Scott, who's run the pub with partner Kate Rowling since November 2019, said: "Everytime we get to reopen from lockdown the restrictions change and we have to reinvent ourselves.

"It is like opening a new business every time it happens, we are a pub but are mainstay is restaurant quality food and good pub food.

"We have to think outside the box, if people are allowed to eat outside, we have to think that we are in an area of Cumbria that is just off the fells where the weather can be considered to be unreliable.

"We've decided to extend our beer garden and given up some of our car parking spaces after we learnt what the requirements were to get the marquee in place.

"We have got some fantastic feedback from customers about how warm and comfortable it is when the Sun starts to set."

The pub was sell-out when it opened on Saturday and Sunday.

Regulars have voiced their approval on social media.

One said: "It looks and sounds perfect."

Another said: "Look forward to coming soon."

The pub is open from 4.30pm to 10.30pm and a range of social distancing measures are in place.

Anyone that would like a meal and a drink at the pub currently can book ahead on 01228 560102.

For information its Facebook page @CumwhittonInn