Pioneering work to help ex-military personnel secure roles in West Cumbria’s health sector has been showcased to defence secretary Gavin Williamson.

Mr Williamson visited UCLan’s campus at Westlakes Science and Technology Park to learn more about plans to up-skill and retain those who have left the military to help tackle the long-standing challenge of recruitment at West Cumberland Hospital during a day-long visit to Copeland.

During the visit, hosted by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison, Mr William also visited Calderwood House in Egremont to learn more about staff and residents' work supporting ex-military personnel.

He also toured the Ministry of Defence’s Eskmeals Range in Bootle, which specialises in the testing of large calibre ammunition systems with the ability to fire over long ranges, as part of a visit to highlight the area’s role in national security.

Mr Williamson said he had a “really wonderful day”, adding: “It has been fantastic to see all that this constituency has to offer.”

Mrs Harrison stressed the importance of defence to Copeland, not only for hosting military facilities but also as one of the largest recruitment areas for the armed forces.

"The world-beating research and development at Qinetiq is outstanding and the Continuous-At-Sea-Deterrent, built at BAE in Barrow is surely the most effective peacetime deterrent and a vital employer of the highest skilled workers,” she said.

"With the recent addition of BAE’s £25 million Academy, SASK is a critical training place for many of Copeland’s apprentices and graduates.

“I was also able to showcase the pioneering work of UCLan, which is tackling the long-standing challenge of recruitment at West Cumberland Hospital.

"The potential to also up-skill and train veterans is both commendable and sensible; after serving our nation, our veterans deserve our wholehearted support.

"Welcoming the armed forces community to Cumbria, ensuring their settled status whilst plugging our health and social care sector employment challenges is innovation at its best.”

She added: “Calderwood House is a fine example of pro-active people meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.

"Homelessness could affect any one of us, and whilst the overwhelming majority of ex-service people settle into the community, ensuring support for those who need support is vital.”