The mayor of Copeland says many businesses in the borough are still to claim vital funds to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

So far Copeland Borough Council has allocated more than £13.5m in Government business support grants to 1,186 businesses.

However, mayor Mike Starkie said some businesses had still not taken advantage of the scheme.

He said: "I think it's very important they take advantage of the grants, which are up to £25,000, which is a significant sum."

Around 15 per cent of eligible businesses were yet to claim the funds which he stressed did not need to be paid back.

"This is money that will help keep the local economy alive and get ready for recovery, which is vitally important," he said.

Two types of grants have been made available for businesses; the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

The Small Business Grant Fund offers £10,000 to all businesses receiving small business or rural rates relief.

The grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses is broken down into two tiers, with £10,000 available to businesses with a property of a rateable value up to £15,000 and £25,000 available to businesses with property of a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000.

Businesses in Copeland can find out more by going to copeland.gov.uk