A YOUNG professional football star has presented awards to a group of talented Barrow school sports players.

Barrow-born England and Manchester City starlet, Georgia Stanway, was the guest at Furness Academy's inaugural sports awards evening.

The Women's FA Cup winner was at the Barrow secondary school to help celebrate students from across all years groups who were recognised for their sporting excellence and achievements.

Students, parents, carers and family members enjoyed a glitzy ceremony around cabaret-style tables.

The school's director of sport, Catherine Amison, gave an overview of the successful sporting year and welcomed Miss Stanway to the stage to present the awards to the students.

The categories ranged from dedication and commitment in PE lessons, to showing outstanding work in curriculum area and recognising sports leaders.

Yarlside Academy, St George's CE Primary School and Dane Ghyll Primary School were also invited to pick up their awards for being chosen as Primary Schools of the Year by Oliver Carswell, the school games organiser.

The major awards were presented after a refreshment break, with nibbles and freshly made cakes being delivered to the tables.

There were awards for students who are excelling in a sport outside of school, many at national and international level.

The highly contested Sports Team of the Year was won by the Year Seven rugby team who have had incredible success over the last 12 months.

The Furness Academy Sports Personality of the Year award went to Morgan Burgess, of Year 10, for a multitude of reasons including dedication to PE, commitment to leadership, excellence in rugby outside of school, playing for a Warrington Wolves youth team and showing devotion to sport in all areas. Morgan was also the winner of The Key Stage Four Sports Performer of the Year.

After much deliberation, the Key Stage Three Sports Performers of the Year was presented to two students, Finley Dutton-Rosconie and Matthew Roberts.

Miss Stanway gave an inspiring speech about her journey, her aspirations and her achievements.

Furness Academy has thanked Miss Stanway and all the students and guests who attended the evening and congratulated all the student award winners.