A Lake District holiday park has been awarded a prestigious accolade to mark its transport heritage.
White Cross Bay Holiday Park, the previous home of the White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory, has been handed Red Wheel heritage plaque by the National Transport Trust, celebrating its contribution to transport history.
The Red Wheel scheme recognises the most significant sites of historical importance to transport heritage in the United Kingdom.
The plaque was presented to the public by Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria, Adam Naylor, with members of the National Transport Trust, Short Brothers Commemoration Society and park owners Parkdean Resorts in attendance.
The White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory opened in 1941 and was operated by Short Brothers, producing Sunderland flying boats for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Between 1941 and 1945.
A total of 35 Sunderland aircraft, were built at Windermere by 1,500 workers living with their families on the nearby Calgarth Estate.
Liz Walker, great-great-niece of the three Short brothers, said: “Our society aims to educate others about the three founding Short brothers and the important historic contributions they have made to aviation, so the presence of this plaque is an incredible tribute to their legacy.
“We are honoured by the recognition of the National Transport Trust and Parkdean Resorts as the White Cross Bay Factory and its employees played a vital wartime role on the shores of Windermere from 1941-1945.
“We are passionate about keeping their history alive, and the Red Wheel heritage plaque will act as a permanent public mark to encourage research into this national site of special significance and the history of these three amazing pioneering brothers.”
Barrie Robinson, operations director of Parkdean Resorts, said: “We operate award-winning parks up and down the country in areas of outstanding natural beauty, but this Red Wheel heritage plaque is definitely a first for us.
“We’re proud to be associated with the White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory and are honoured to be part of this momentous occasion.
“The White Cross Bay Aircraft Factory’s significance and historical contribution is very much a part of Windemere’s rich history, so we hope this encourages guests to learn more about this remarkable bit of history when visiting the park.”
