SCHOOLS in Cumbria are to benefit from a £22 million building improvement programme funded by the Government over the next three years.

The cash, part of a £4 billion national initiative, will help pay for a number of major schemes in the coming year.

County council client services and property unit manager Jim Mitchell welcomed announcement, saying it would help fund a £17 million education capital programme.

Lancashire County Council has been earmarked £58.3m.