Leaders of Carlisle's flood-ravaged Newman School have met with education minister Lord Agnew two years on from Storm Desmond.

The meeting aims to boost links between the Catholic secondary school and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as Newman School looks to relocate.

Lord Agnew is the parliamentary under secretary of state for the schools system.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson helped to broker yesterday's meeting in Parliament.

It took place days after Mr Stevenson joined guests at Newman School for a ceremony held to mark 50 years since a foundation stone was laid at its original site in Lismore Place.

Newman School was forced to move from Lismore Place virtually overnight when it was among those left devastated by Storm Desmond in December 2015.

It is currently based in Harraby, on a site which was previously home to a primary school.

A new site has been identified at Blackwell and advanced and complex legal negotiations continue to secure the plot of land.

The new link between Lord Agnew and Newman School aims to help address issues relating to the funding and timeline for the transition from the school's temporary site in Harraby to the new build.

John McAuley, headteacher of Newman School, said: "I was delighted to meet Lord Agnew to discuss some of the finer detail regarding the rebuilding of Newman Catholic School.

"It is good to know we have strong support from senior civil servants and government ministers.

"This can only help the project as we move into the next stages of planning and procurement.”

City MP Mr Stevenson said: "It is vital for the future of Newman School that any uncertainties regarding the plans for their new school build can be ironed out, so that the school can look to the future with confidence."

He added: "This meeting demonstrates the dedication of staff at Newman School, who are willing to travel to London to meet with the minister.

"I hope that this meeting helps cement a good working relationship between Newman School and the ESFA."