Arts in Lancashire and Cumbria are set to share more than £23m in funding.

The Arts Council England has revealed details of what will be a four year commitment.

In north Lancashire, Lancaster's LUDUS dance group and the Dukes Playhouse will be the beneficiaries.

More Music in Morecambe will also reap the rewards.

In Cumbria, the Brewery Arts Centre and the International Comic Art Festival, both in Kendal, will also get funding.

The Lake District and Barrow are included too. In the lakes, The Lakeland Arts Trust, the Wordsworth Trust, and Grizedale Arts will benefit, and in Barrow, money will go to the Ashton Group, Art Gene, and the Octopus Collective.

Sarah Maxfield, from the Arts Council said: “Our new portfolio in the north will reach more people in more places. Culture has a role to play in all our communities from the major cities to the north’s most rural areas.

"It brings us together, provides joy and solace, and builds a sense of identity in addition to contributing to our economy.

Ms Maxfield added: "I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to support such a range of excellent cultural organisations delivering to audiences and participants across the North."

Councillor Matt Severn of South Lakeland District Council, said: “We welcome the announcement that Arts Council England are continuing to support our key strategic partners.

“As a council we value our partnership with Arts Council England and the significant investment this generates for the whole district.

Mr Severn added: “We have a key council plan commitment to support cultural organisations and programmes, building on our reputation as a place for nationally and internationally recognised arts, events and festivals."