Cumbria’s police force is “incredibly fortunate” because of the county’s true community spirit.

The claims came from the county’s police and crime commissioner Peter McCall as he launched his third annual report, covering the period from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.

He has a statutory responsibility to produce a report as part of being held to account by the public.

Mr McCall said: “I often talk about ‘we not they’ and here in Cumbria, we are incredibly fortunate. There is true community spirit, which makes a significant difference to help fight crime and tackle the issues that matter most to you.

“I have continued to engage with you, the public, along with partners and stakeholders, to help identify Cumbria’s policing priorities, and shape my Police and Crime Plan. As I have said before, your priorities are my priorities.

“Cumbria is one of the few counties in the country where officer numbers have increased and I expect to increase again significantly as a result of recent pledges by the Prime Minister.

“This will enable us to maintain our county as one of the safest places to live and work. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to keeping it that way.

“There is no doubt the challenges facing our police service are far greater than I ever imagined when I was first elected to the role. This has made me even more committed to being a strong voice for the people of Cumbria and for Cumbria Constabulary.

“Resource or, being blunt, cash, is always going to be a challenge.

“I see it as my job to lobby hard for the government to do the right thing for our police service and for Cumbria.”