Footpaths across Cumbria that were damaged last winter are set to be repaired thanks to more than £3.5 million from the Rural Payments Agency.

More than £3 million has been given to the Lake District National Park Authority to help fund repairs and improvements to rights of way within the park.

A further £500,000 has been awarded to Cumbria County Council to repair damaged rights of way outside the national park.

Councillor Janet Willis, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "This is fantastic news for Cumbria and I’m delighted that we have been successful in securing additional funding for rights of way.

"As well as roads and bridges, public rights of way are a vital part of communities throughout the county, and this funding will ensure they can be repaired and maintained for local people and visitors to enjoy.

"The recovery from Storm Desmond continues to be challenging, but a huge amount of work has been carried out, with a lot more scheduled for the months ahead."