THE number of unemployed people in Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency continues to fall.

The National Office for Statistics revealed the number of claimants in April was 357 - 180 lower than the same month last year and 34 less than in March. 

This represents a rate of just 0.9 per cent of the economically active population aged 16 to 64.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: "This further fall in unemployment is encouraging news for the South Lakes.

"However, there is absolutely no room for complacency, and we must remain aware of the fact that the South Lakes has a large elderly population which isn't accounted for in these figures.

"Moreover, while unemployment is low wages are often lower here than elsewhere as the South Lakes employs a higher percentage of seasonal workers than most other places in the region.

"This is why it is so important that we bring well paid jobs and apprenticeships to our community."