Despite drizzly conditions in Carlisle tonight, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn managed to keep spirits high.

Hundreds gathered at the city centre rally, which rounded of a day of meetings in Cumbria, to hear what he had to say about the promises and policies of his party.

He thanked activists for their work in supporting the cause across the city, congratulating Alston’s Labour branch for its work in fighting for NHS services.

Mr Corbyn also acknowledged the work of the RMT rail union for its work in Carlisle, pledging that a Labour government would bring the country’s railways back into public ownership.

Speaking to supporters, he was also critical of the cuts to public services.

Priorities for Carlisle, Mr Corbyn said, are ones of dealing with health and local government funding, which he said a Labour government would be committed to delivering.

He also spoke of the importance of investment across the whole region, including the improvements of railways and broadband connections.

"Our ideas are as relevant today as they have ever been. Our methods might be different but we live in an era of high technology. We live in an era of instant communications and that can change politics as well," he told the crowd.

"If we want to live in a world of peace and a world of justice and human rights, that means a government that believes in peace, justice, human rights, environmental sustainability and the people it represents.

"I don't want to live in foodbank Britain.

"I don't want to live in a Britain where you future is decided by the postcode where you were born or the wealth or your parents.

"I want to live in a country that values everyone and gives every young person a decent chance and a decent start in life and promotes unity of communities not division."

Mr Corbyn told the News & Star Carlisle was “absolutely winnable" and that his party could take the seat from the Conservatives – with its sitting MP John Stevenson – at the next general election.

“A Labour government would invest in health services across the county, a Labour government would not underfund fire and public services and we would do more about flooding and flood protectionk,” he said.

A prominent Tory, however, said he was surprised to see Mr Corbyn in Cumbria based on recent election results in the county.

James Airey, the Conservative group leader on Cumbria County Council, said: “Since Jeremy Corbyn became Labour leader, his party has suffered a series of election defeats across Cumbria, including a by-election defeat in Copeland in February, which was a first Conservative victory in the seat for more than 80 years.

“Conservatives also claimed the most seats on the county council in May’s elections.

“It is clear the people of Carlisle and Cumbria have rejected Jeremy Corbyn’s politics and backed the Conservatives to deliver for ordinary people across the county.

“I am sure Labour will have bussed supporters in for the Carlisle event but people here know it is the Conservatives who will help them get on in life.”