The North West Ambulance Service saw a "slight increase" in demand at the weekend, which it says could be linked to lockdown restrictions being loosened.

However, the rise in activity was expected and it did not affect the response to patients.

Gene Quinn, Head of Service for Cumbria and Lancashire said: “In North Cumbria over the weekend we saw a slight increase in activity, potentially as a result of lockdown restrictions easing and people travelling more widely.

“We were able to manage demand by mobilising resources throughout the county and our response to patients was unaffected.

“As always, we continue to monitor activity and plan our resources accordingly.

“What I would ask is that the public think before they ring 999, and only do so in an emergency.

"Other options include 111 online and your GP or pharmacist.”