The Government has allocated £10 million for a feasibility study into extending the Borders Railways into Cumbria, finishing at Carlisle.

Campaigners have long fought for the line, which reopened in 2015, to be extended from current terminus, Tweedbank down to Carlisle, via stations such as Longtown, Hawick and St Boswells.

A recent report from the Borderlands Partnership, which is made up of the local authorities from across the region said that extending the Borders Railway to Carlisle would be the ‘best solution’ to help solve the area’s notorious transport connection difficulties.

The feasibility study is set to ‘get underway very, very soon’ according to the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, John Lamont, who also said he was ‘delighted’ to see that the funding had been made available.

The Borders Railway has long been championed by local MPs and the issue was recently raised in the House of Commons by Penrith and the Border MP, Dr Neil Hudson.

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said: “I thank the Minister for his ongoing support with this vitally important issue for both of our constituencies which straddle the Border region, as well as the wider benefits for the UK.

“We are seeing progress but, this must progress full steam ahead if we are to properly deliver for the people of both Northern England and Scotland.

“Connectivity challenges, both physical and digital, are some of the biggest barriers to economic, educational and social prosperity to the people of rural Cumbria.

“I will continue to make this a cornerstone of my work representing the brilliant communities of Penrith and The Border.”

Talks are already taking place about the Borders Railway being extended and campaigners are said to be ‘increasingly optimistic’ about the future of the project.

In the past, Dr Hudson has pushed for a range of rail solutions for Cumbria including the reopening of Gilsland Station and the Penrith to Keswick line.