Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has called for better transport so rural students can complete their studies.

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said students in rural areas like the Lake District faced exorbitant travel costs and a lack of transport options.

Mr Farron made the case in parliament for more affordable student travel.

It came after one rail company removed student season tickets from the Lakes Line for post-16 students.

It means that the cost of school transport has quadrupled this year for some sixth formers in Kendal, Cumbria.

A Northern rail pass from Windermere which would have cost around £250 now costs over £1000, Mr Farron told his fellow MPs.

Some 300 local people signed a petition against the removal of student season tickets.

Presenting the petition in parliament, Mr Farron said he hoped to keep the pressure up on Northern and eventually secure a better deal for students.

"Young people have to be in education or training until the age of 18, yet for rural students this means taking a financial hit simply to get to where they need to be.

"The removal of student season tickets for post-16 students has not only hit those travelling on the Lakes Line into Kendal, but also those using the Furness Line to travel to Lancaster, Ulverston or Barrow.

Mr Farron pledged: "I will continue to put pressure on Northern to review their decision to scrap cheap travel for Sixth Form students.

"The government must also do far more to support young people so that even those in rural areas have access to affordable transport options."