Tourism leaders, conservation experts and local politicians are meeting in Carlisle on Tuesday to discuss the future of the Solway Firth.

The stretch of water runs between Scotland and England, and is an important centre of marine life and tourism.

Speakers from the Scottish Tourism and Environment Forum are also attending the get-together, as well as Cumbria's Tourist Board officers.

There have been concerns in recent months over plans by Energy firm TXU Energi to erect 60 turbine towers in the firth, off the coast of Maryport in Cumbria.

'Sustainable tourism'

Members of the public will be able to express their views on the project.

The day has been put together by the Solway Firth Partnership, and their project officer Richard Jennings, said: "The most important thing is the future of sustainable tourism in Cumbria and Dumfries and Galloway.

"People are working very well together from the English and Scottish sides, who see the Solway as a great resource."

Mr Jennings he said that he thought there was some sort of future for windfarms in the area, but could not comment on specific projects.

He said: "We have to look at the ways in which we can conserve energy as well as create it."