People bringing their outdoor equipment and travel backpacks to National Parks are helping to boost the UK economy, according the National Parks Association.

Visitors to one of the UK's 15 national parks bring over £4.5 billion to the economy every year, and spend more than 160 million days enjoying the natural surroundings and facilities.

National Parks Week celebrates the popularity of the UK countryside, by offering free access to the countryside and a range of events between July 25th and July 31st.

Richard Leafe, chief executive of the Lake District National Park, claimed that the events would encourage the public to be aware of their parks and allow them to appreciate their natural beauty.

Mr Leafe added: "Local communities benefit from the appeal of this unspoilt countryside through holiday accommodation and local shops, pubs, restaurants and services with National Parks Week being just one of the many ways that people can enjoy their national parks."