English Lakes, the operator of a number of hotels in the Lake District and North Lancashire, has received approval for a new convention centre on the shores of Lake Windemere.

The new facility is to be built at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre and has been designed to have a reduced impact on the environment, as well as to blend in with its surroundings.

Among some of the eco-friendly measures to be implemented are a hydro-electricity scheme on the Holbeck Ghyll stream, as well as a living green wall and a flat sedum roof.

English Lakes director Tim Berry said: "We hope this iconic building will become a wonderful asset to South Lakeland, creating jobs and attracting business leaders and organisations from all over the country."

Details; www.englishlakes.co.uk