LIFE-saving organisations across the region are to receive a cash boost after an announcement made by Chancellor George Osborne in his Autumn Statement.

South Lakes Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mountain Rescue, welcomed the news that VAT will be refunded to the region's mountain rescue teams, Bay Search and Rescue and both the Great North Air Ambulance and the North West Air Ambulance.

Previously, teams were offered a grant to offset some of their VAT costs, which often fell short of what they paid.

"It has always struck me as deeply unfair that an emergency service which saves people’s lives everyday has to pay tax on the vital equipment that they use - especially when virtually all of their funding comes from charitable donations," said Mr Farron, who also praised the work of the late Stewart Hulse, who served as both president and leader of Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team.

"That’s why I have been campaigning for so long to stop these teams having to pay VAT. Our Mountain Rescue teams do amazing work for people in desperate need. I cannot praise them highly enough - their determination and bravery are truly inspiring.