Happy Westmorland day - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has wished local residents well on Westmorland Day. Tim thinks it's vital to celebrate the important role historic counties continue to play to many communities throughout our area.

Westmorland Day is celebrated on 29 September each year.

The Westmorland flag was hoisted, by the Department of Communities and Local Government in London this morning to mark the day, which is celebrated every year in recognition of Ralph Neville being appointed the first Earl of Westmorland by King Richard II in 1397.

England's traditional counties date back over 1,000 years of history, but many of them have been side-lined in recent years, including the municipal restructuring by Edward Heath's government in 1965 and 1972. The administrative local authority of Westmorland was absorbed into Cumbria in 1974.

Tim said: "It is great to be able to celebrate Westmorland Day and celebrate the historic counties role in modern life. Many residents still feel an affinity to the old Westmorland and I know that many flags will be flying in the coming days."