CUMBRIA is to be given a share of a £3 million grant to help residents make the most of the natural beauty on their doorstep.

The Outdoor Partnership is a project that began in Snowdonia to help people get healthier and find work by enjoying the landscape, after research showed many locals took the view that "mountains were for visitors".

Cumbria has been chosen as one of just three locations to roll out the scheme, thanks to £3m from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Among those who helped bid for the money were Active Cumbria, the Active Partnership for Cumbria and Cumbria County Council's public health team.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to help our local communities to enjoy the outdoor spaces and natural environment," said Bruce Lawson, Active Cumbria's senior manager (development).