MILLOM School has joined forces with a leading manufacturing company to undertake a unique project.

Pupils from Millom School have been working on a new project, with financial backing from Kimberly-Clark, in Barrow, to learn more about mechanical engineering in a practical, hands-on way.

Staff from the mill visited the school's BeSpoke cycling club to celebrate the scheme which has helped them learn how to build and service bikes before using them to train and cycle 130 miles.

A spokeswoman from Kimberly-Clark said: "The aim of the group is to source old bike parts and frames from the local community and, in after-school sessions, restore and build whole bikes, guided by a team of volunteer teachers and tutors from the wider community.

"The bikes are then used to train on and cycle the Coast to Coast cycle route (a 130-mile trip) with members of the school community in the summer holidays."

The BeSpoke biking group was set up by the school to encourage students to engage in mechanics, engineering, independence and physical exercise.

Kimberly-Clark has supported the group for the past two years and this year's sponsorship has helped pay for transportation and camping equipment costs as the students prepare for their trip.

Kimberly-Clark representatives Peter Duignan (engineering manager) and Gary Rafferty (engineering project manager), who are also keen cyclists, headed up to Millom School to meet the club members and to present an Andrex puppy mascot which will travel the 130-mile route with the team.

The group were also introduced to the “giant Andrex puppy” which posed for team photographs.

Mr Duignan was delighted to work alongside the school and praised the scheme for its ability to teach the students a whole host of valuable new skills.

He said: “It’s great for us to support such a valuable activity which builds 'life skills' in young individuals.

"Much of what they learn together will pay dividends in the future. Working together as a team and understanding the importance of exercise are key benefits along with nutrition, safety and practical skills.

"I am sure they will have a great adventure together on their C2C challenge and we look forward to the daily updates en-route.”

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