MORE than 91 per cent of Cumbrian 16 and 17-year-olds were actively participating in education, employment or training at the end of December, according to recent figures.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron welcomed the figures, published by the Department for Education, but pointed out the desperate need for funding for post-16 school transport for Cumbria.

The figures show that 91.7 per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds were in education, employment or training at the end of December 2014.

Figures also showed that one in 10 young people in Cumbria were taking up apprenticeship placements.

Nationally, the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) from October to December had reached its lowest level since 2007.

Mr Farron said: “Over 90 per cent of our 16 or 17 year olds are in school or college, employment, or an apprenticeship placement. This is great news and is higher than the national average.

“The other thing that these figures show is we need the Government to also help us in funding post-16 school transport. It is wrong that parents have to pay hundreds of pounds to get their son or daughter to school. I will keep urging the government to do more to fund this vital service, which I believe should be free.”