Customers of mobile network operator EE could get better phone coverage as the company plans a major overhaul of its masts in Maryport and Flimby.

EE has applied to Allerdale council for planning permission to upgrade an existing mast on the roof of the former Carlton Cinema, which currently provides 3G services, to provide 2G and 4G services.

The new base-station, which EE hopes to have running 4G from October, would also be used by fellow network operator Three.

Upgrades are also planned for the mast in Flimby to provide all EE customers in the Maryport area with superfast 4G.

A mast located at Craikhow Farm has been live and providing superfast 4G coverage since the start of this year.

A second site closer to the town is also due to have 4G switched on by the end of the month.

The plans are part of a national upgrade of the company's network to provide faster and more reliable mobile data services.

Its ambition is to provide 95 per cent geographical 4G coverage to the UK by the end of next year.