Signs proudly boasting `No Vacancies'appeared in windows across South Lakeland as thousands of visitors floodedinto the area and snapped up accommodation over the Bank Holidayweekend.

Following several painfully quiet months, the hustleand bustle was a much-needed boost for the Lake District, prompting sometourism operators to say they felt "quietly confident" about the monthsahead.

Tourist information centres welcomed thousands ofvisitors through their doors, with staff having to hunt far and wide foravailable beds to meet demand.

Allan King, of Cumbria TouristBoard, said the busy weekend had been "desperately needed by theindustry", and added the area now needed at least three months sustainedrecovery to get back on track.

Some towns even attracted morepeople than last year's August bank holiday, with events such as CartmelRaces and Grasmere Sports successfully enticing large crowds to thearea.

For the full story see this week'sGazette.