WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE LAKE DISTRICT? The people who live here and the strength of our communities.

It’s all very nice the government talking about the ‘Big Society’ but we’ve been doing it for years. We tend not to curse our luck round here – we go out and make our own!

Oh, and the scenery is pretty good too isn’t it!

AND THE WORST? I’d have to say that it’s the way that our communities are being threatened by the lack of affordable housing, high house prices and excessive second home ownership.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT? Having a picnic with Rosie and the children in an isolated spot just by Simpson Ground reservoir between High Newton and Cartmel Fell – although our favourite local spot is the Fairy Steps walk near Beetham.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT? There are lots of great places but we’re big fans of DeJa Vu in Kendal – fantastic food and great people running the place.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP? Milnthorpe Market, especially when there’s a farmers market. There’s a superb buzz about the place.

The whole village comes out when the weather is fine and the produce is first rate.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY OF THE LAKES? Our wedding day 11 years ago. We got married at Rosie’s family’s church in Brookhouse near Lancaster but the reception was at the Low Wood Hotel at Windermere.

I have very fond memories of our first dance to Duran Duran overlooking the lake and fells beyond.