A FREIGHT route from Poole is one of a selection to have been given major financial support from the government.

The £35million funding scheme has been provided to support the movement of goods such as food and medical supplies in and out of the country over the next nine weeks.

Sixteen of the most important routes which were previously at risk of closure due to a drop in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for support, the Government said.

This includes the route between Poole and Bilbao in Spain.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “From the very beginning of the outbreak, we have committed to do whatever it takes to minimise the disruption caused by Covid-19.

“By taking this action, we have helped protect the movement of goods and services in and out of the UK, safeguarding the flow of supplies across the Union.”