THE head of higher education funding in England says he is confident that a University of Cumbria will be established soon.

Sir Howard Newby, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said the university would be based on existing institutions, including Ambleside.

His comments followed a meeting with Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, who also quizzed Mr Newby on cuts in adult education in South Lakeland.