Local parks in Kendal have received a funding boost thanks to local Lib Dem councillors.

Helen Ladhams, Eamonn Hennessey and Rachael Hogg, who all represent the Kendal East Ward on South Lakeland District Council, have used their locality budget to invest in £1,500 worth of new play equipment on the Castle Estate play area.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has presented a bill to Parliament calling for much greater funding support for local schools after it was revealed that special educational needs funding in the North West has been slashed by 24% over the past 5 years.

A recent report released today by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that our region has been the hardest hit by the cuts, with funding reduced by 17% nationally.

A playground in Allithwaite has been given a funding boost thanks local councillor Dave Khan.

Dave has used £500 of his locality budget to pay for the play equipment to be repaired at the King George V Jubilee Playing Fields.

Dave said: "The playground is well used by children in the village and so I'm delighted to be able to support it."

Yesterday in Parliament, local MP Tim Farron has raised the need social prescribing in Cumbria to improve mental health.

Social prescribing involves treating illness by prescribing non-traditional medication such as exercise, gardening and eating advice to improve the wellbeing of patients.

Speaking during a debate on the effect of the Government's 25 year environment plan on world health, Tim said: "Does he agree that the value to our mental health of the environment and of time spent in it is clearly proven?

Windermere Foodbank has been given funding support by local councillor Dyan Jones.

Dyan used £500 of her locality budget to pay for a freezer and IT equipment for the foodbank.

Dyan said: "The volunteers at Windermere Foodbank really are unsung heroes and do amazing work to help and serve our community.