A Cumbrian group is set to receive millions in funding.

Active Cumbria is among 40 organisations working in partnership with Sport England to receive investment from its new funding model. 

Active Cumbria, part of Cumbria County Council’s Public Health Team, will receive an investment of £500,000 per year over the next five years of government and National Lottery funding from Sport England.

Active Cumbria has been awarded long-term funding because it has committed to co-deliver change at a national and local level, to help more people enjoy the benefits of being active and playing sport.

The investment will enable Active Cumbria to create an additional six new roles across the organisation to support the delivery and implementation of their 5-year plan. 

These additional roles will increase the capacity within local communities, connecting and supporting partner organisations in the areas of Cumbria where the highest levels of health inequalities and inactivity exist.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England, said: "Active Cumbria is one of a huge number of partners we are looking to work with on exactly this over the coming years. 

"They play a foundational role within the sport and physical activity sector and are therefore well-placed to create the conditions for change. 

"They will also act as a resource for other innovative organisations with the same goals as we seek to create a more equal society with everyone benefitting from sport and physical activity.”

Lorrainne Smyth, Chair of Active Cumbria Advisory Board said: “Active Cumbria have a clear role to play in helping to land the ambitions of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy and this investment secures the resources needed to deliver our five-year plan.  

"The timing of the investment comes at a key period as we move confidently forwards from what has been a difficult time for the sector. 

"Our five-year plan demonstrates our clear focus and commitment to providing leadership for and on behalf of the physical activity sector in Cumbria."