Businesses in South Lakeland have benefited from around £102 million in support through grants and business rates relief during the coronavirus pandemic, figures reveal.

5,370 firms had received £62.7 million from the Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) handed out 117 discretionary grants worth £3.8 million to small firms.

After the three-tier system was announced in October, more grants were then offered to businesses affected by the restrictions.

By 17 January, a further £5.7 million was given to business from SLDC, covering at least 3,461 properties.

Nurseries and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England have also been given further support in the form of business rates relief, with 1,990 eligible properties relieved of paying £29.5 million in business rates as of last July.