The board at the Cumbria Tourism Council in Cumbria in the north west region of England, has established a telephone help line which offers cheery sounds to help people suffering from the winter blues.

The Lakes' Escape Line features a reading of Wordsworth's poem Daffodils, the sound of water lapping at Windermere and sizzling Cumberland sausages.

Dr. Marcus Roberts, head of policy at mental health charity Mind, said, "What your parents said is true, fresh air and exercise are good for you, for your mind as well as your body, particularly in winter."

The telephone help line was established by the tourism council in the Lake District in Cumbria. It also provides information on accommodation.

Eric Robson, of Cumbria Tourism, adds, "Few of us enjoy getting up in the dark or coming home in it, so making the most of daylight and how you spend your weekends could be important for keeping the winter blues at bay."