Foot-and-mouth is not the only reason for Cumbria's plight

The event, organised by the North West Regional Assembly, hopes to find long-term solutions to the big fall in the region's economic output.

Every MP, MEP and local authority leader in Cumbria has been invited to the conference in Keswick on 2 April.

Government figures show Cumbria as the worst performing sub-region in the UK over the six-year period to 2001.

Other agencies taking part in the event, include the Northwest Development Agency, Cumbrian Tourist Board, West Lakes Renaissance, Chambers of Commerce, the Rural Enterprise Agency, Learning and Skills Council and Business Link.

'Great concern'

Cumbria's economic output has fallen from 92% of the national average in 1995 to only 77% in 2001.

Leader of the North West Regional Assembly Derek Boden said: "The factors contributing to Cumbria enduring the lowest economic performance of any sub-region in the UK cannot be explained by foot-and-mouth disease or any other single factor, and neither can it be resolved by any single solution.

"This is a cause of great concern for the whole region and not just Cumbria.

"We cannot leave any part of the North West behind while other areas are seen to make progress.

"I am very keen that the meeting will be positive and present a practical programme of actions - the first step on the long road to recovery."