Work has begun to create a new Coastguard helicopter base in Carlisle.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency revealed that the city – and Oban – were the new locations for bases for its rescue helicopters.
The rescue helicopters will be based at the sites from April to September, increasing search and rescue provision in two of the busiest locations for summer tourism.
The seasonal bases will officially open next year.
They will include search and rescue hangars, operational planning rooms, office space and rest areas for crews.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “Both helicopter bases will operate one aircraft from April to September, 9am to 9pm, providing greater flexibility during peak times and most importantly enhancing Coastguard response times.”
When a Coastguard helicopter is called out to help in Cumbria, it currently flies in from a base Prestwick in Scotland.
