The Police Authority met the Home Office, Cumbria Police Authority, and Cumbria Constabulary on Friday to discuss the police structure review.

The Home Office is reviewing all forces and wants to merge them into region-wide bodies and will, within the next fortnight, give its views.

A police spokeswoman said: "The meeting was constructive and a good opportunity to explore common areas and issues such as funding, and operational policing."

Lancashire Police's preferred option is to merge with Cumbria.