Cumbria's library service has seen a surge in demand for its online offering since lockdown.

Figures released by Cumbria County Council reveal that the number of people using eBooks and eAudiobooks more than doubled in the 19 weeks since libraries were forced to close, compared to the previous 19-week period, with 2,042 people using the service for the first time compared to 861.

The total number of eBook and eAudiobook users rose by 35 per cent to 7,897, and the number of eBook and eAudiobook loans rose by 58 per cent to 64,157.

Cumbria's six main libraries in Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington reopened on August 10, offering most of their usual services.

The rest remain closed and the council is reviewing the situation to determine when it will be safe to reopen them.

A spokesman said: "The branch library situation will continue to be monitored and we’ll reopen them when we have capacity to do so safely.

"Meanwhile, most of the full range of services are available in the six that have reopened."