An MP has welcomed the announcement that more than 100 new police officers have been recruited in Cumbria since Septmeber 2019.

Since the recruitment drive was launched in 2019, the 43 police forces across England and Wales have seen an additional 13,576 police officers recruited.

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border, said: "I’m grateful for the important work that Cumbria police do tackling criminal activity and keeping people safe.

"Just last month the force took part in the largest rural policing operations of its kind, showing a pro-active presence in hard-to-reach communities.

"In January I also raised the issue of rural crime in Parliament. From vehicle and machinery theft to poaching and property damage, rural criminality is the scourge of our communities.

"I trust the additional 117 police officers can help pursue criminals, keep neighbourhoods safe and reassure the law-abiding majority."

READ MORE: Driver critical and another arrested after Stanwix Bank crash