Boost for child disabilities fund

Extra funding is being made available in part of Cumbria for children with special needs and disabilities. Annual funds were increased from £6,000 to £11,302 at the county council's Eden Local Committee meeting.

The money could be used to buy play equipment, pay for extra staff and learning programmes or fund visits to experienced childcare providers.

A council spokesman said the cash would help ensure that children did not become socially excluded.

Councillor Roger Bird, vice chair of Eden Local Committee, said: "Our priorities for children in Eden include improving access to services and developing better coordinated services for those with disability and special educational needs. It is important that we ensure these children and their parents can get hold of the right kind of services, at the right time, in the right place."