The decision on whether to approve controversial plans for a coal mine in west Cumbria have been called in by the Secretary of State for local Government.

Plans for the construction of a coking coal mine just outside Whitehaven had been due to return to Cumbria County Council's development control and regulation committee, after the council concluded a further look at the plans was necessary in light of the Government's latest Carbon Budget proposals.

Today, it has been announced Secretary of State for local Government Robert Jenrick has decided that the decision on whether to approve the plans for the mine should be made at the national level.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has described this evening's news as "fantastic".

Copeland Conservative mayor Mike Starkie has said he is "disappointed" by today's decision.