The way the Lake District is run by its national park authority could be made more democratic through the combined influence of Cumbrian MPs banding together, one of them has claimed.

Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron said "democratising the national park" is one of the causes that may be achieved through the creation of the cross-party committee for Cumbria.

Mr Farron is the one Liberal Democrat on the body, with the county's other five MPs including three Labour members and two Conservatives.

Those heading for the fells in their winter jackets may be keen on a situation in which the general public has more say in national park affairs.

The group's first meeting has already seen it interviewing national park authority chairman Richard Leafe on the challenges facing the organisation.

While Mr Farron's reference was to the Lake District - which is located wholly in Cumbria - his constituency also includes part of the Yorkshire Dales and the portion of this within the county will increase if Natural England's proposals to expand both national parks are adopted.