A CHOIR has escaped a war zone to perform in Kirkby Lonsdale thanks to the intervention of a South Lakes MP.

Members of the Boyan Ensemble, of the Ukraine, were granted visas at the eleventh hour enabling them to travel to the UK, after Tim Farron took on the country's immigration department.

"The choir is hugely grateful to Tim for resolving the situation," said a choir spokeswoman.

"This year's tour is especially important given the dreadful situation which has engulfed Ukraine since their last visit in 2013."

The choir was due to leave Kiev for a 22-date UK tour on Saturday, but just days earlier their visas had still not been granted.

Mr Farron made contact with the government and offices in Kiev and Warsaw - and the singers were able to collect their documents just hours before their bus was due to depart.

The tour is badly needed by many of its members because ongoing fighting in the area has put them out of work.