WITH backpacks bigger than them, crisp new uniforms, and huge grins, Furness children headed back to school this week.

Some youngsters were starting Nursery and Reception classes for the first time, while 11-year-olds headed to secondary school.

Parents have shared fantastic photos with The Mail showing their sons and daughters before they set off for school for the start of the 2017/18 academic year.

They included Sam Lee-Mackenzie, four, starting his first day in Reception at Brisbane Park Infant School and his big sister Bethan Lee-Mackenzie, eight, starting in Year Four at St James' CE Junior School.

There was also Kacey-Leigh Vaughan, seven, starting Year Three at St Pius X Catholic Primary School and Kayden James Nicholson, two starting nursery at St George's Little Dragons.

Good luck to everyone who started school this week. Our hard working pupils will enjoy their first half term holiday from Monday October 23 to Friday October 27.

See the two other starting school galleries here Smiles all round as Furness pupils start school this week

Barrow Back to School 2017 - photo gallery