Plans to stimulate business and create jobs in west Cumbria moved a step closer to becoming a reality last week.

Allerdale borough council and Cumbria county council completed the purchase of a 1,050-acre site in Derwent Forest from the Ministry of Defence, with the intention of turning it into a leisure and commercial development.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), West Lakes Renaissance and Cumbria Vision have been working alongside the councils to help secure the land and realise its potential.

Ian Haythornthwaite, the NWDA's executive director of resources, said that the chance to transform one of the UK's largest brownfield sites represented a real opportunity for the Cumbrian economy.

"Redevelopment of the site could make a significant contribution to regeneration in Cumbria, helping to attract more visitors and businesses to the area, as well as creating jobs," explained Mr Haythornthwaite.

The next step in the project is to invite proposals from commercial organisations interested in becoming involved in the redevelopment.

Cumbria's economy received a boost last week when sandwich fillings business Calder Foods announced plans to extend its operation in Carlisle and increase its workforce by 100.