A Government minister has visited Carlisle to find out what is being done in the city to help those in poorer communities and tackle hate crimes.

Lord Nick Bourne, minister for faith and integration, met Mark Boyling, dean of the city's cathedral.

He also met with city councillors and representatives from Carlisle Mencap and AWAZ - an organisation supporting people of ethnic minorities.

Lord Bourne said: "I'm visiting a number of cathedrals around the UK and finding out about the work that they're undertaking with helping the homeless.

"This is the 12th one that I've visited."

Lord Bourne, who revealed it was not his first visit to Carlisle Cathedral, said he would be relaying his findings back to the Government as part of its plans to promote inter-faith integration.

Work undertaken by different groups - including those in Carlisle - will supplement an independent review by Dame Louise Casey into opportunities and integration.

"I'm finding out about the work that Carlisle Mencap is doing to tackle hate crimes among people with disabilities," he added.

"I'm also interested to find out from AWAZ about the work that they've been doing to tackle hate crimes against different faiths, but also improve integration among people of different faiths.

"I'll be going back to the Government and we'll be using the information alongside the Louise Casey review."

Mr Boyling added: "One of the main things that we do is work in partnership alongside a range of other groups to help promote inter-faith integration.

"We also hold events here at the cathedral for inter-faith groups and do whatever we can to help as well.

"We're also working closely with the Carlisle One World Centre, where some of our people are also involved.

"They've been involved in helping to put on briefings to provide information about the arrival of Syrian refugees in Carlisle and how they will be integrated."