West Cumbria's Lakes College has been hit by a cyber-attack – however it is open for new students this week.

It was targeted over the weekend of August 26 but the attack was "quickly identified and systems were shut down immediately".

The college, based at Lillyhall, and its specialist partners have been working carefully and extensively to firstly investigate the extent of the attack, and to restore and secure systems to once all traces of the attack have been eradicated.

A college spokesperson said: "There are no indications at present that any personal data or information has been compromised in any way.

"In the meantime, despite significant disruption to our internal systems, the college is operational and normal services continue, we look forward to welcoming our new and returning students this week as planned."

Chris Nattress, college principal, said: “Our staff have worked swiftly, diligently and extensively to ensure that the student experience is not interrupted in any way, and I thank them tremendously for their flexibility, efforts and commitment.”

Also, hit by a cyber attack the same weekend was Copeland Council.

The attack had caused significant internal disruption to the Council, however frontline services are continuing to operate as normal and no confidential customer data has been lost.

Both organisations are among a number around the UK to be affected by the recent random wave of attacks.