Just over 170 children due to start school in September did not get their school of first choice, figures have revealed.

Cumbria County Council said that despite the disappointment for those involved, the county’s primary school allocation figures were among the best in the country.

Out of 4,668 applicants for school places who met the application closing date, 4,497 were offered a place at their first preference school - just over 96 per cent.

It means 171 missed out, compared to 249 last year.

The number offered their first or second choice school for their child was 98.6 per cent, with 99 per cent getting into their first, second or third choice school.