Charles Garside, proprietor of the Miller Howe Hotel over-looking Windermere, has introduced the Cueuro scheme, which enables local businesses to deposit unwanted euros received for small payments such as tips and bar bills, and receive sterling back without commission charges. This will allow small businesses to accept euros from tourists without having to open a euro bank account.

The real aim is to ensure that European's know they are welcome and so is their currency, said Mr Garside. Many small businesses will be afraid of losing money through conversion rates, and would automatically refuse to take euros. This way, proprietors can take the euro with a smile on their face and welcome foreign guests to Cumbria and the Lake District properly.

The scheme, which has Cumbria Tourist Board Approval, also allows people wanting to travel to the euro zone to purchase euros.