Cumbria is set to get a new specialist school for autistic children.

A parent-led bid to create a new free school has been approved by the Education Secretary Justine Greening.

The Cumbria Academy for Autism proposes to offer 56 places for children aged four to 18, and would open in 2018.

It will have a strong focus on developing life and vocational skills of its pupils as well as providing academic learning.

Those behind the bid say it will be sited between Lillyhall and Whitehaven.

Lynne Thornton (CORR) , of Little Broughton, is one of the leading members behind the bid.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted but this is only the beginning.

"It is fantastic news for the autistic community and we're hoping it is the starting point for wonderful things.

"We now enter a pre-opening phase and it is a complex design and detail phase."

Extensive consultation and other work must now be completed by the school's steering group in conjunction with the New Schools Network and Education Funding Agency.

A key milestone will be passed when the Secretary of State approves a funding agreement for the academy.

West Lakes Academy in Egremont, Cumbria County Council, and the western heads consortium of existing school leaders, are among those already backing the bid, Mrs Thornton said.

The Cumbria Academy for Autism was one of 77 new free schools announced on Friday. Others include a secondary school launched by the rugby Premiership champions and European Cup winners, Saracens.

They are part of the biggest wave of free school approvals this Parliament. The government wants 500 open by 2020.

Education Secretary Justine Greening said: "Our country needs more good school places for children.

"This next wave of free schools means more options for parents so they can choose a place that really works for their child’s talents and needs."

The news has been welcomed by families and experts in Cumbria.

Amanda Denwood runs a business - Autism Support Cumbria - offering bespoke support to children and adults with autism and their families.

She said: "The announcement about the new school is excellent; it will add a much needed strategic resource to the area for young people on the autism spectrum.

"It will give further choice to families and that can only be a good thing.

"I would like to congratulate the team for all their hard work and perseverance it has taken to reach this momentous stage. I wish them all the best for all future phases in their journey."

Adrienne Gill, a member of a Carlisle support group for parents who have children with autism, said: "I am delighted for the team and it is great news for west Cumbria and the county as a whole.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how things develop."