Nigel Farage has spoken to the people of Workington about his hopes for Britain's future.

The Brexit Party leader was greeted with a standing ovation as he entered the Washington Central Hotel in Workington this morning, ready to answer the public's questions.

New Workington candidate David Walker was by his side, and promised to "put the work back into Workington".

Mr Farage began his speech by addressing the term "Workington man", and said: "I think it's patronising, and it's a load of rubbish."

But the event did not run without controversy.

A member of the audience shouted "fascist" at him, after Mr Farage said that Conservative's Boris Johnson's strategy to deliver Brexit was like the UK wanting to become a EU colony and "hoping that our captors treat us nicely."

Mr Farage responded to the insult by wishing the member of the audience a good day.

And at the end of the meeting Joe Sandwith, of Seaton, questioned why the Brexit Party's prospective parliamentary candidate for Workington had been changed.

Philp Walling was announced as the party's candidate in August, but Monday he was swapped for Mr Walker.

Mr Sandwith said: "We deserve an explanation on why Philip Walling was replaced."

Mr Farage said: "Parties drop and change candidates, the last candidate, which I have known for years, simply hadn't done enough.

"I'm sorry these decisions have to be taken days away from the nominations closing."

Mr Farage, speaking to a room packed with supporters, encouraged the audience to vote for "the one party that's for Brexit", saying he will bring democracy back to the UK.

He added that the party did not have a manifesto, as manifestos were a collection of lies.

He said: "We will issue a contract with the British people."

Mr Farage said his main priorities were investment in connectivity to support sole traders, better value for money in health spend and taking back territorial control of UK waters to improve conditions for fishing businesses.

Other speakers at the event were North West MEP Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen and prospective parliamentary candidate for Tatton Sarah Marigliano.

Mr Walker said he was only appointed as the party's Workington candidate on Monday and the Washington Central event represented his "maiden speech."

He said: "I want to tell you about how passionate I am to deliver Brexit and build a strong independent nation."

He said he wanted to represent those who had been forgotten.

Mr Walker said he was a supporter of major industries such as Sellafield, job creation, roads, hospitals and small businesses.

After the event, Mr Walker told the News & Star his nomination as party candidate for Workington was about matching the best person with the best seat.

He said: "It's a case of matching the best candidate to the best seat, and if I'm asked to do something I will stand up to the plate and do my best.

"There's a slight misconception that candidates are put somewhere nominally, but you aren't settled in a place.

"People enter politics with no experience, and it's difficult to know how they will perform until they've held a seat.

"So people get upset with change, but it's just a case of finding the best person for the job."

Supporter Kath Leonard, of Great Broughton, said: "I'm a member of the Brexit party, and I joined because I think if there's a time to join the party, the time is definitely now.

"I've followed Farage since he was with UKIP and I've always believed in getting our country's independence.

"I thought his speech was brilliant, and he answered the questions so well.

"It's amazing that he's here as well - nothing this exciting ever happens in Workington."

Keith Branthwaite, 60, of Whitehaven, said he believed the Workington constituency should vote for the Brexit Party, however he would be voting Conservative in Copeland.

He said: "I thought Nigel Farage was speaking really well, he's got some good ideas.

"I normally vote Conservative and I'm voting Conservative again.

"What I'm saying is that people in Allerdale have a realistic chance of David Walker becoming an MP."

He added voting for the Brexit Party in Copeland would mean splitting the Leave vote.

Mr Farage, the former UKIP leader, continued his tour of Cumbria, but found his visit to Whitehaven cut short due to a lack of fishing boats in the harbour, squashing the Brexiteer's plan to discuss the industry with fishermen.

Mr Farage will now make his way to Carlisle for an appearance this evening.