Cumbria county council is to offer special grants to local entrepreneurs who are starting out.

The local authority is collaborating with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce on the programme, which has been designed to support people who are starting new businesses in the county.

It is hoped that by encouraging enterprise in the area, up to 100 new jobs could be created in the next seven months.

Commenting on the initiative, Councillor Tony Markley said: "From small acorns mighty oaks can grow and investing in business start-ups is essential for the medium to long-term prospects for the Cumbrian economy."

He added that the amount of money which will be generated by successful new businesses will far outweigh the sum being invested in the project.

This comes after local companies benefited from funds provided by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, which went towards improving broadband connectivity across Cumbria.