Youth Work in Cumbria Partnership was set up to bring together all youth work providers to improve the range and quality of youth work in the county.

The report, published on Monday after an inspection in January, said services had more weaknesses than strengths.

The Partnership said it was already addressing the recommendations.

Last year's report said one in five young people in the county was being let down by the service.

'Disappointing report'

Cumbria County Council said it was aware of the deficiencies in the service and last year resolved to remedy them in partnership with the voluntary sector and Connexions Cumbria.

The council said it had agreed to add to the youth service budget over the next few years to ensure that real improvement takes place.

Duncan Graham, independent chairman of the Youth Work in Cumbria Partnership, said: "Although this is a disappointing report, it is, to an extent, history.

"[The Partnership] will, in time, create a new youth service for young people in Cumbria which better meets the needs of 13-19 year olds and offers them real opportunities to develop their potential to the full."