Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP brought his vision for the North to Cumbria on Thursday, stating the region will play a big role.

The Rossendale and Darwen MP met with workers and businesses as part of his Northern Powerhouse Live tour.

Mr Berry said Cumbria is vital to his plans and is full of opportunities.

Along with the Borderlands Growth Deal, which aims to drive new openings and jobs to boost the economy, Mr Berry said Cumbria can significantly contribute and benefit from his ideas.

He said: “I was struck by the huge expertise and opportunities there is across industries and across the whole of the west.

“I believe that is something we can build on.

“I think the big benefit for the future is the opportunities that the deal will bring.

“We will see significant government investment to boost the economic growth in the region.”

During his visit, Mr Berry spent time at several companies including Forth Engineering and Oxley Group.

He said: “I believe that the Oxley Group and Forth are doing things the right way.

“It is a globally world-beating company that is driving forward the economy.”

The MP has reported to Parliament the great things and hark work companies have put in to encourage local schools to promote local enterprise.

As Brexit approaches, The Minister insisted that Cumbria will remain in a strong position one Britain leaves the EU.

He also said that the powerhouse’s sole focus can’t be on cities like Liverpool, Leeds or Manchester.

Mr Berry added that Cumbria is a key player to improve the economy to create jobs, wealth and high quality education.

He said: “There are always going to be challenges with Brexit and what comes with it.

“But with the high technology manufacturers that Cumbria has, it is very well-grounded and it’s driving forward the economy.”

Trudy Harrison MP joined the Minister for the visit and she reinforced Cumbria’s great opportunities.

Mrs Harrison stated that the region is a hotbed for exporting decommission specialism and developing new nuclear.

She said: There is nowhere better in the UK to lead on the colossal nuclear decommissioning export opportunities than Cumbria.

“Forth is a brilliant example, they’re taking their operated vehicles into highly irradiated complex environments to minimise human interaction.

“I want Government to make export easier and to work with our many specialist companies.”