The Lake District has been revealed as the top holiday destination – by a hotel chain's art competition.

In a bid to keep Britons entertained during lockdown, Travelodge launched the nationwide art contest, "where in the UK do I want to visit after lockdown?".

And with thousands of entries sent in from every age group, every county, picturing every setting possible, Anne Marie Devlin came out on top with her magical depiction of Ullswater

The Nottinghamshire woman said: “I never imagined I would be announced the winner of this competition. To be shortlisted from thousands of artwork entries is something dreams are made of.

"I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and for Travelodge for giving me this amazing opportunity during the Covid-19 lockdown.

"It was great fun and more importantly an interesting and stimulating challenge during these unprecedented times.

She continued: “I chose to paint Lake Ullswater as I feel it has a very special atmosphere about it. The road from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding runs alongside the lake.

"I also took inspiration from the natural scenery of Cumbria and the coast line at St. Bees and Allonby. This place will always be my 'go-to place' for replenishment.''

Anne's artwork will be exhibited at Cockermouth Travelodge, with a weekend break and £100 arts-and-crafts voucher thrown in as well.

Runner-up was an anonymous artist and their scene of Southampton, with third place being taken by eight-year-old Lilly Saunders from West London, who painted a colourful London Zoo giraffe.

Travelodge spokesman, Shakila Ahmed, said: “Who knew we had so many budding artists out there!

"We were astounded by the great response that we received from all corners of the UK for our ‘Where in the UK’ competition. Interestingly the artwork entries also revealed where the nation would like to take a Staycation this year.”

She continued: “We thought the competition would be a great way of keeping Britons engaged, entertained and provide some hope and inspiration during the lockdown.

"The artwork submitted was outstanding and we would like to thank everyone who entered.

"The judges had a very tough job but there was one overall winner and our heartfelt congratulations go out to Anne Marie Devlin who created an exquisite masterpiece showcasing one of the most beautiful regions of the UK – the Lake District.”

The top 10 scenes included; the Lake District, Cornwall, London Zoo, the Scottish Highlands, Yorkshire Dales, Blackpool, Cheddar Gorge, London, Edinburgh, and Brighton Beach.