From sportspeople to television personalities and leading academics, Cumbria has produced a fine range of talents.

Here are some of the most famous characters to come out of Cumbria.

Dave Myers

Hairy Biker Dave Myers is among Barrow's most famous exports - and he's never forgotten his roots in the town.

He attended Barrow Grammar School for Boys, before getting degrees in Fine Art and Art History.

But Dave has said that he is proud to be a Barrovian – and will ‘always stand up for Barrow’ in the ‘strongest possible’ way.

On his latest show, The Hairy Bikers Go North, he said: “Going around Cumbria on the motorbike was pretty joyous really.

"Day one was in Barrow and by God we found some good food and met some nice people. What's special about Cumbria is we've always had a really good food base.

"I hope Barrow is seen with a great deal of affection. I've always tried to put Barrow on the map."

Georgia Stanway

Stanway is a more recent Barrovian export, but the football superstar has been making waves after her recent move to Bayern Munich from Manchester City - where she is the club's leading goalscorer.

She has said: "I have travelled a lot with football. I have obviously had unbelievable experiences at seeing the world and seeing different places but I think I would bring it back to the Lake District. It is unbelievable.

"It is beautiful and you feel at peace. I love the outdoors, I love going fishing and I just love being at one with nature. I love how peaceful it is and when you are out there nothing else matters and that bit of fresh air can basically lighten up the whole day.

Stanway spoke fondly of her upbringing in Barrow, explaining that she was forced to play football at an early age by her brothers and that her most prized possession is a Match Attax card she acquired in 2006.

Helen Skelton

Among Carlisle's greatest exports are broadcasters. From BBC and ITV shows, children's television to the heights of historical obscurity, Carlisle's television personalities are well respected and hold their own in national and international regard.

One of the most famous examples of this is Helen Skelton. Born in Carlisle, the presenter gained a BA degree in Journalism and went on to host a show on BBC Radio Cumbria.

More famously, she co-presented on Blue Peter until 2013 and countryfile until the present day.

Her favourite spot is Blencathra. She said: "You could travel halfway around the world and struggle to find views half as good. The hike is rewarding, the views are stunning and even on a miserable day the atmosphere is breathtaking."

Melvyn Bragg

But the city also boasts esteemed broadcaster and author Melvyn Bragg. Born and raised in Wigton, he went on to study Modern History at the University of Oxford, before rising through the ranks at the BBC. He then moved to ITV, where he edited and presented The South Bank Show from 1978 until 2010.

He has also presented historical BBC4 radio show and podcast In Our Time since the late 1990s, where leaders in their fields go to discuss the widest range of historical intrigues.

Of Cumbria, he said: “I was brought up in North Cumbria on the Solway Plain between the fells and the sea and when I was looking for a place in the Lakes in 1970, I settled on a cottage in a hamlet on the north side of Skiddaw.

"When you walk up the fell at evening, then you see one of the many sights that have stirred the hearts of millions since Wordsworth’s day. Colour streaming in and landing on Skiddaw, on the heather, bronzed by the late light like a shield, a glittering bronze, displaying all that’s best in nature.”

Dean Henderson

The second footballing talent on our list, Henderson currently plays for Manchester United as a goalkeeper.

Born in Whitehaven, Henderson joined Manchester United at the age of 14, having previously spent time at Carlisle United.

The man between the sticks has had numerous successful loan spells, including Shrewsbury Town and notably Sheffield United.

He broke into the Manchester United team in the 2020-21 season after a perceived run of bad form from first team goalkeeper David De Gea. He made 26 appearances that season.

However, his luck seems to have run out as the Spanish international has hit a vein of form again, and Henderson is being linked to a move away from the floundering Premier League giants.

Henderson has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-20, under-21 levels and also for the senior team.

Postman Pat

Postman Pat might seem a bizarre addition to the list, but the beloved children's television character was created by John Cunliffe in Kendal.

Cunliffe himself was from Colne, in Lancashire, but moved to Kendal, where he found the inspiration for Postman Pat.

The fictional village of Greendale is said to be based on the valley of Longsleddale.

A plaque outside the former Beast Bank Post Office in Kendal reads: "Postman Pat, the famous children’s television character, was born in 1978 at 32 Greenside, where his author, John Cunliffe, lived.

"The local sub post-office was here as 10 Greenside where John began his research for the series, and imagined Mrs Goggins sitting behind the counter."

Cunliffe also created the characters Rosie and Jim.