Cash boost for disabled services

Almost £3m is to spent over the next two years on providing help for families of disabled children in Cumbria to enjoy short break holidays.

Cumbria County Council and NHS Cumbria won the cash from a government fund aimed at boosting access to holiday facilities for the severely disabled.

The charity Action for Children will advise on how best to use the £2.7m.

Activities being considered include sensory swimming sessions, themed activity days and outward bound events.

'Real difference'

Michael Watmough, of Cumbria County Council's children's services, said: "This is great news for Cumbria and the disabled children and young people who live here.

"We want to use the funding to make a real difference to the lives of disabled children and young people and their families in Cumbria."

Carol Iddon, operational director for children's services with Action for Children, added: "Disabled children and their families are a priority for Action for Children.

"We are very pleased to be able to support the partnership in Cumbria at this key stage and bring together families and professionals to help shape services at a local level."