Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited Setmurthy's Lakes Distillery this week to mark its official opening.

The Princess Royal spent time touring the £7 million development on Wednesday where she met staff and customers.

As part of her visit, she was taken to the still room where the distillery's whisky, gin and vodka is produced, before having lunch at its bistro.

She later unveiled a plaque in the site's courtyard to mark the distillery's official opening.

She was presented with a sherry cask of The Lakes Malt by Paul Currie, managing director, and Nigel Mills, chairman of the board.

Princess Anne said: "A huge congratulations to you all here for such a wonderful development. 

"I hope lots more people get to see this distillery and the wonderful benefits it has here, from the local water and perfect environment, to the lovely bistro.

"It is especially lovely to see an old agricultural building being restored and put to good use. I'm looking forward to coming back."

During the presentation, the Princess Royal was presented with flowers by Scarlett Chappell, eight, of Greysouthen, the daughter of Harriet Chappell, Allerdale mayoress.

Scarlett said: "I was a little nervous but very excited to meet Princess Anne. I've been practicing for a few days and she was very nice to me."

Mr Currie added: "It was a pretty momentous occasion for us all here to have the Princess Royal officially open the distillery, one which we won't forget in a hurry.

“As the only distillery in Cumbria, we are very proud of our team and our facilities which are already producing award-winning spirits. 

"It is amazing to think this was an old dilapidated farm four years ago, and Princess Anne said it was wonderful that we have developed it into a tourist attraction employing local people.

"She thoroughly enjoyed her visit as she's interested in whisky and gin distilling and was also keen to learn about the history of the building and the natural resources we use to make our products."

Mr Currie said he expects around 100,000 visitors to come to the distillery each year.

It opened its doors to the public in December after around eight months' work on the site.