YOUNG people have received accolades at an awards event to celebrate the completion of a life skills programme.

Furness Academy and Walney School completed the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart programme over eight weeks.

The after-school project helped the Year Eight students improve their confidence and build communication, teamwork, resilience and leadership skills.

The 12- and 13-year-olds also went to Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre, in Coniston, at half-term for activities such as canoeing and rope courses.

Dave Cassidy, project co-ordinator for Inspiring Barrow, said: “It was a great evening and the children thoroughly deserved the accolade for working so hard over the past two months."

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock presented awards to the young people at the The Forum in Barrow.

Mr Woodcock said: “It has been great to meet the talented schoolchildren from the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart programme and hear how they have worked so hard to develop skills that will be vital to them in their future careers.

“The investment pouring into the town is well documented but what is of equal importance is the investment we are making in our children and this programme is a prime example of how we are equipping our junior citizens so they can help to shape not only their own futures, but the Furness of tomorrow.”

The activities at Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre, in Coniston were filmed through a new partnership with Furness College Media department. The film was shown on the awards evening.

Mr Cassidy said: "The programme was a great opportunity for local students from Furness College to work together in partnership with the Kickstart Programme providing a great service, at the same time developing their own skills, such as working to deadline and time management."