A last-minute warning has gone out to parents applying for school transport.

Today is the last day to secure transport for children from the start of the next academic year.

Anyone with children starting primary or secondary school in September can apply for free home to school transport.

The county council provides free school transport to pupils who go to their catchment - or nearest qualifying - school and live more than two miles away, up to the age of eight, or more than three miles away for those aged eight and over.

If a child is entitled to free school meals, or their family receives the maximum level of Working Tax Credit, they may also be entitled to financial assistance with school transport.

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: "The council will assess whether each child is eligible for free school transport."

Details on eligibility, frequently asked questions and an application form are available at www.cumbria.gov.uk/schooltransport - or call the commissioning transport team on 01228 226427 / 226428.