SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that 730 apprenticeships have been created in Westmorland and Lonsdale in the last year.

Figures released by the Skills Funding Agency and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills are for the full year 2013/14.

The figures show that the area has seen a further increase in apprenticeships and have now created 2,980 since 2010.

Cumbria-wide during 2013/14, Cumbria saw 5,550 apprenticeships created.

In the county 470 businesses have received a £1500 government grant to help and support them to take on an apprentice.

Mr Farron said: "Since 2010 we have created nearly 3,000 apprenticeships. That is an amazing figure and is testament to the fantastic local businesses we have in South Cumbria."