AN MP is pushing for residents in the South Lakes to have better access to the vaccine.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is working with local health bosses to try and improve access to the vaccine for older people in communities across the South Lakes.

Currently people over the age of 80 who live in Ambleside and Windermere are being asked to make a 40-mile round trip to be vaccinated in Grange-over-Sands.

Meanwhile people living in Sedbergh have to travel down to Kirkby Lonsdale to be given the vaccine.

Mr Farron said that local Primary Care Networks have been doing 'an exceptional job of getting people vaccinated' but that it was important that provision was in place for those are unable to travel to their current nearest vaccination centre.

He said: “It is important, particularly for older people and people who rely on public transport, that we do not overlook rural communities such as ours and that we ensure that the vaccine is delivered close to where people live.”