The number of Copeland councillors is set to be slashed by 18 - and the borough's ward boundaries altered - following a review.

Numbers would drop from 51 to 33, with six three-councillor, four two-councillor and seven one-councillor wards making up Copeland Council.

The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England has published the final recommendations, which must be implemented by Parliament.

Today's announcement follows public consultation on draft proposals.

Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Commission, said: "We are extremely grateful to people across Copeland who took part in the review.

"The Commission has looked at all the evidence that was put forward during the consultation.

"We believe these recommendations deliver electoral fairness for voters as well as reflecting community ties throughout Copeland."

The boundaries of all but one of Copeland's current wards will change as a result of the review.

In response to feedback during consultation, the Commission has made changes to the initial proposals.

The parish of Arlecdon and Frizington will no longer be divided between wards and will be included in the Arlecdon and Ennerdale ward.

In the west of the borough, changes have been made to ensure the whole of the Cleator Moor parish is included in a single ward after local people objected to original plans to divide it between two wards.

The Commission had proposed separate Gosforth and Seascale wards but now a Gosforth and Seascale ward will be represented by two councillors.

Drigg and Carleton parish will also not be split between two wards.

And, after listening to local views, the proposed Rosebank ward will be renamed as Sneakyeat ward.

Copeland mayor Mike Starkie said: "I am delighted the Boundary Commission's review has come to its conclusion.

"One of my key manifesto commitments was to reduce the number of Copeland's borough councillors, and the reduction from 51 to 33 represents one of the biggest reductions that has been seen in the UK.

"I believe it will make the council more streamlined, leaner and more effective.

"The Boundary Commission has clearly listened to the feedback from Copeland Council and our councillors, parish and town councils, and members of the public to produce a thorough report which, I believe, arrives at the best outcome.

"Copeland Council, in terms of both staff and councillors, will be in far better shape in 2019 than it was when I was elected in 2015."

A draft Order - the legal document which brings into force the recommendations - will be laid in Parliament in the coming months and the new arrangements would come into force at the council elections in 2019.

Full details of the recommendations are available on the commission's website at www.lgbce.org.uk