The floods saw boats used by rescue workers

Storms claimed three lives, left hundreds homeless and will cost millions to clean up.

But civic officials in Carlisle remain determined to bounce back from the crisis and want potential visitors to know the city is "open for business".

Now an �80,000 marketing campaign is being launched to attract tourists.

A city council spokesman said: "Carlisle is sending a message world wide that the city is open for business."

Tourism providers

The North West Development Agency has pledged �50,000 towards the marketing campaign and is in addition to �20,000 from the city council, �5,000 from Cumbria

Inward Investment and �5,000 from local businesses.

The spokesman added: "Although the city has been hard hit by the recent floods, the majority of businesses including the Lanes shopping centre, retail parks, restaurants, accommodation establishments, attractions and leisure facilities continue to be open for business.

"The city council tourism section is in the process of contacting local tourism providers to involve them in the campaign.

"It will be supported by incentives from the local tourism industry and city centre businesses to encourage visitors to the city."

One of the first businesses to get involved is the city-owned Tullie House museum and art gallery, which has reduced admission prices.

The campaign will run through to the Easter holidays.