AN earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 on the Richter Scale shook south Cumbria today, said the British Geological Survey.

Cumbria Police said there had been no reports of casualties or damage following the mid-morning tremor.

A spokesman said: ''Police began receiving reports from members of the public of an earth tremor in south Cumbria at 11.26 this morning.

''We have liaised with the British Geological Survey who confirmed this was a natural seismic event which occurred at around 11.22am.

''Calls have been received from a number of people who felt the tremor in the Barrow, Carnforth and Kendal areas.

''There are no reports of any casualties or injuries or damages at this time.''

A British Geological Survey spokesman said: ''An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 was recorded 5km (3 miles) south-east of Ulverston - famous as the birthplace of Stan Laurel - and 8km (5 miles) underneath that area at 11.22am today.''

BGS seismologist Dr Aoife O'Mongain said: ''An earthquake of this magnitude is unlikely to cause any substantial damage but we know a number of people have felt the tremor this morning.

''I would encourage them to visit our website and let us know about their experiences which will help with our data.''

A police spokesman said about 10 calls had been received from members of the public and the fire service had not been called to any incidents.

He said: ''I think the word is out there now that an earthquake has taken place and that it shouldn't be anything to worry about.''

Andy Casson, owner of The Sweet Stall, based in Ulverston Market Hall, near the epicentre, said the tremor lasted for about 15 seconds and sounded like a ''deep roar''.

He said: ''Everyone in the hall definitely felt something. It was a heavy rumbling sound, like a wagon revving up, or a deep roar, which lasted about 15 seconds.

''There was also a slight vibration but no-one was panicking and running around screaming. Business just went on as usual afterwards.''

A spokesman for South Lakeland District Council said: ''We have had no reports of any damage so far.

''We felt a rumbling in the offices but nothing moved. I believe the sound was louder in other areas.''

The last recorded earthquake in Britain took place in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, last February, she said.

Dr O'Mongain said the magnitude was 5.2 on the Richter Scale but that only led to brickwork and chimneys falling off buildings.

In south Cumbria, the last recorded earthquake happened in Grange-over-Sands in 1993 with a magnitude of 3.

The largest seismic event in the region was in Lancaster in 1835 with a magnitude of 4.4 which only caused minor damage, she added.

Anyone wishing to report their tremor experiences can visit www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk.