At least half a dozen West Cumbrians are stranded in New Zealand according to Workington MP Mark Jenkinson.

He said he has had appeals for help from six individuals "and I am not sure if my caseworkers have had more than that."

Mr Jenkinson said when he enquired last week, commercial flights were still running from New Zealand and he was advising holiday makers to get in touch with their airlines.

It has emerged, however, that any flights still available are leaving from Auckland and there are few links from the South Island, making it difficult for travellers to make the flights.

Mr Jenkinson said his advice was for people to get in touch with the British High Commission in Wellington, who can be contacted through an online form.

"While I acknowledge that the Government is telling Brits to come home, I recognise that this is not easy. The Government has put a £75m package into the airlines to help with what is the biggest repatriation ever."

He said his office has helped two young women return from Malta and some holidaymakers from Thailand.

"These are the ones I know about personally.

"As I said, I can't tell you what my caseworkers have done because they are not here."

Mr Jenkinson said he is following Government advice and is at home in lockdown at the moment.

"I go to the office a couple of times a week if I need to but I am following the rules the same as everyone else."

Unlike a growing number of his colleagues, Mr Jenkinson said he is fit and healthy and showing no signs of Covid-19.