Cumbrian branches of the travel agent giant Thomas Cook have escaped bad news after it was announced the company closing a number of its stores.

The travel agent, which has branches in Carlisle and Penrith as well as the west and the south of the county, has released the full list of stores it plans to close in a bid to pivot further towards its online business.

However none of the branches slated for closure are in the county, with the closest Thomas Cook stores closing in the North East.

A total of 21 stores are to close across the UK, putting 320 jobs at risk. It is understood a consultation process with affected staff members has begun.

Following the announcement, Thomas Cook's chief of tour operating Will Waggott said the news "reflects the wider challenges seen on the high street, with more and more customers choosing to book online.

"These measures will help us to drive greater efficiencies across Thomas Cook so that we relentlessly focus our resources in those areas that give us the greatest opportunity to make a difference to customers in our core holiday offering.

"Looking ahead, we will be working to ensure that Thomas Cook is fit for the future, putting a rigorous focus on costs in a competitive environment while giving customers more reasons to holiday with the strongest brand in travel."