A six-figure sum will be spent on improving the safety of women and girls on nights out in Carlisle.

The Home Office announced that £116,367 from the Safety of Women at Night Fund will be used to help support and prevent violence against women and girls, with particular focus on the city's nightlife.

Concern around the safety of women and the need for action has been heightened since the murder of Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens and recent reports of a spate of spiking incidents in the UK.

Cumbria's police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall, said the money would fund street marshals to act as stewards and allow police to 'focus on higher level incidents'.

“This service will be available to all in need, though research suggests that women and protected groups are more likely to require our help," he said.

Cumbria Constabulary will also work with the University of Cumbria to develop a production to be delivered in secondary schools in the city, and with Crimestoppers on a campaign 'highlighting unwanted attention, sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the nighttime economy'.

Safer Streets coordinator Alison Blenkharn said the funding would make 'a real difference'.

She added: “One of the exciting elements of the project is working with the university and their students to create a production that will be rolled out in local schools, with key messages such as what is appropriate or inappropriate behaviour, what is consent, and what to do if something goes wrong.”

Cumbria's Chief Superintendent Lisa Hogan said tackling violence against women and girls was a priority for the constabulary.

“The funding will be put to good use, including help tackling crime, helping to educate young people and offering practical assistance on the streets to help keep people safe," she said. “We as police officers, are committed to doing everything we can to make our streets safer.

"Everyone has a right to go about their lives without being made to feel scared or intimidated.”