STUDENTS who improved their communication, confidence, team work and resilience through a skills building programme have been honoured at a celebration event.

Young people from Furness Academy and Walney School took part in the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart programme over eight weeks.

The project also involved the secondary students going to Kepplewray outdoor education centre in Broughton at half term where their new skills were put to the test.

Furness College media students Reece Keeble and Luke Roberts created a video of the outward bound activities and the scheme.

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The students were then praised at a celebration event with the presentation of certificates and prizes at The Forum, in Barrow.

Former Barrow AFC star Neil Doherty was the guest speaker and presented the awards. Also speaking on the evening were

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock, on skills that help prepare children for future employment in the local economy, and Maxine Moore, of St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, spoke about resilience.

Special awards went to Ella McGarry, of Walney School and Jack McLaughlin, of Furness Academy, for leadership; Adam Evans, of Furness Academy, and Logan Ferrar, of Walney School, received the most improved student prizes and the literacy prize was shared by Challise Devereux, of Walney School, and Kai Hoyland, of Furness Academy.

Dave Cassidy, the project coordinator of the Inspiring Barrow Kickstart programme, said: "We have really enjoyed seeing the children from all the schools benefit from the programme. It is having a great impact.”

The programme is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and will run for a further two years. Children from 11 primary schools and two secondary schools have already enjoyed the benefits of the programme.

Any groups interested in learning more about the programme can email Mr Cassidy at david@inspiringbarrow.co.uk or call him on 07458016890.