The benefits of Ulverston's Blue Light Hub have already been on display since it launched last month, Cumbria County Council's annual general meeting heard.

The hub was praised at the AGM, with Councillor Janet Willis, who represents Low Furness, telling the meeting emergency services were already 'loving the benefits'.

The building is shared by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria police and North West Ambulance Service.

Cllr Willis, who represents Low Furness said: “The people of the Furness Peninsula are benefitting from an improved response during emergencies.

“The benefits have already been seen during two water rescue incidents, where three casualties were rescued within the South Lakes area.

“Each service responded out of the Blue Light Hub, and once on the scene the strength of working together was clearly visible, with crews on first-name terms able to debrief together following the incidents."

Cllr Willis' report to county councillors was greeted with cross-party praise.

She added: “Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has moved into what can only be described as a fantastic resource last month.

“Despite the delays, the feedback from the staff has been well-worth the extra time in getting this base up and running.

“The fire service was closely followed by partners from North West Ambulance Service, then finally Cumbria police moved in a few days later.

“All three services are now embedded and loving the benefits of a one-building approach.

“Historically, the blue light partners have come together when responding to operational incidents.

“I’m told that the co-location has quickly highlighted awareness of each other's capabilities, as crews are not just working together but responding from the same location.

“There is now true collaboration and a general atmosphere of one team."