A new report has revealed the tens of millions of pounds of EU investment that Cumbria benefits from.

Analysis by the “Stronger In” campaign shows that from 2007 to 2013, the European Structural Funds contributed £11 million to the Cumbrian economy.

The funds are designed to help regional development and boost economic growth and the allocation funds are set to increase to £73.3 million under the 2014-2020 programme.

The EU also contributed £13 million to help the rollout of superfast broadband in Cumbria which directly benefitted 2,800 SMEs in the region who were connected to the network.

The EU also provided Cumbria Tourism with a grant of £2.4million to promote Regional Culture and Heritage Marketing.

Local Enterprise Partnerships will get the opportunity to decide how the next round of funds are spent on a local level.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, said that the figures demonstrated how the region benefits from the UK’s EU membership. Tim said: “The UK benefits hugely from being part of the largest single market in the world – this helps to create jobs, increase investment and give us lower prices. “What these figures show is that the benefits of being in Europe are not just about increased jobs and trade, but also come from the direct funding we receive.

“Here in Cumbria, EU funds have been used to promote tourism and support local businesses, including by funding the rollout of high-speed broadband. “The UK is stronger in Europe. Brexit would lead to prolonged uncertainty over future trade and investment, and would put jobs at risk.”

The in-out referendum on the UK's membership of the EU is on 23 June.