CUMBRIA pupils and local businesses raised more than £23,000 for charities and their schools through a entrepreneurial competition.

The achievements of children who took part in the Bright Stars competition were celebrated at Energus.

In just over two months the tiny tycoons turned £50 stakes into thousands of pounds, in the contest organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance.

The scheme introduced young children to business ideas, and aimed to build their confidence and aspirations.

At the celebration event, sponsored by Amec Foster Wheeler, guests heard how children as young as five rose magnificently to the challenge, showing leadership, organisational skills and a fierce determination to do their best for their chosen charities and their schools.

They were given guidance and encouragement by representatives from local businesses who worked with the children on their business ideas and, in some cases, helped to deliver the final product, service or event.

Money-spinning schemes ranged from Valentines and Mother’s Day gifts and cards, bird boxes and recycling schemes to pizza companies, healthy school tuck shops, discos and film nights – all designed to turn a healthy profit.

Local businesses engaged with thirty schools to introduce pupils to business basics including accounting, manufacturing and marketing.

Representatives from companies and education made up the panel of judges to decide the five category winners. Sarah Glass from the CforLP said they had faced a tremendously difficult task choosing the winners because they were so hugely impressed with all of the entries.

Importantly the prizes are awarded not just for raising the most money but also for demonstrating commitment and imaginative ideas.

Mike Bowker, a teacher at Holy Family Primary School, in Barrow, which was partnered with the North-West Evening Mail, said: “This challenge has been amazing for the children, I love challenging children and bringing the best out of them. This group have worked so independently together and they are so excited about their big event. It has been fantastic and something the children have enjoyed so much.”

Emma Stevens, a Year Six pupil at Holy Family, was given the role as project manager. She said: “I have really enjoyed this challenge, it was fun making important decisions as a team, we were so excited and a bit worried at first, but when our business starting to make money I was so pleased. The final event was amazing and we would love to run another."

Rachel Battersby, headteacher at Cartmel CE Primary School which was partnered with Cartmel Racecourse, said: “I am quite overwhelmed by the amount of fundraising and work the children have achieved. For us though, it’s not been simply about the money but the community aspect of service and the teamwork, leadership and creative skills this project has inspired us all in.

"Seeing the children’s confidence grow has been magic and working with our partners, Cartmel Racecourse, a real highlight for me.”

Nicola Brewerton, headteacher at Ramsden Infant and Nursery School, Barrow, which was supported by Lumier, said: “The excitement and confidence generated by the responsibility is priceless. But the legacy of being involved has been the fantastic contacts with really proactive and supportive local firms and the changes we are going to make to future events in school. That £50 has been the best £50 invested in our school for a very long time."

Other south Cumbria schools involved in the project raising lots of money were Croftlands Infant and Nursery School, Ulverston, partnered with Oxley Developments, Grasmere Primary School, partnered with Wildsmith Hotels, and Waberthwaite CE Primary School, partnered with Atkins Global.