THE MP for Penrith has praised the commitment of new cash for rail and other travel infrastructure in the north of England.

These newly-released funds form part of the Government's 'levelling up' agenda, which sees it attempt to tackle the economic gaps between northern and southern England. Travel infrastructure and connectivity are key to its plans in this sphere.

The new investment of more than half a billion pounds comes alongside the establishment of a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council.

This new council, led by Northern Powerhouse Minister, Grant Shapps, aims to give northern leaders ‘direct line’ to ministers to accelerate transport projects.

However, critics of the policy have raised questions as to how much of the new cash would make its way to Cumbria - with the lion's share of funds going to large urban centres like Manchester.

On Thursday, Dr Hudson tweeted: "This is good news for the north of England.

"I had a really positive meeting this week with Transport Secretary @grantshapps and was really encouraged by his strong support for our area."

Mr Shapps said this week: "People across the north rightly expect action, progress and ambition and this government is determined to accelerate improvements as we invest billions to level up the region’s infrastructure.

"We are determined to build back better at pace, and this new council will allow us to engage collectively and directly with elected northern leaders to build the vital projects the region is crying out for."