TWENTY-THREE students from across Cumbria are celebrating graduating after combining work with study and overcoming other personal challenges.

The Aspiring Leaders Programme, which leads to students gaining a BSc (Hons) degree in social enterprise leadership from the University of Cumbria, is believed to be the only qualification of its kind in the UK and its aim is to develop new community leaders in Cumbria.

The programme is a partnership between the university, Brathay Trust and Common Purpose. It is primarily funded by the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust.

The ethos of the unique degree fits well with a speech made at the graduation by the internationally renowned designer Wayne Hemingway. Mr Hemingway and his wife Gerardine were collecting honorary fellowships from the university. The native of Morecambe called on Cumbria's Class of 2017 to "go out and make the world a better place".

Jack Todd, 23, of Millom, was not at all interested in studying at university until he saw how the ALP would be taught and the opportunities it presented.

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Mr Todd said: “I was never interested in going to university. The idea of sitting in lectures every day and coming out the other side with over £30,000 worth of debt did not interest me. But with the support of my host, Inspira, the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust, University of Cumbria, Brathay Trust and everyone else involved, my life has been thoroughly changed.”

Carlisle councillor Joanna Coleman, 35, a Citizen's Advice trustee, gained her first class degree with her husband and daughter in the audience.

The Harraby councillor said: "This has been tough. Juggling work, council commitments with constant assessment."

Annalee Holliday, 34, from Maryport, is a grants and donor services officer with Cumbria Community Foundation, near Cockermouth.

She said, "I thought it would provide me with an opportunity to not only better myself but better my community."

Also collecting her degree was Workington’s Emma Gibbon, 37, who volunteers for the Workers Educational Association at the town's Trades Hall.

Mrs Gibbon said: "I'm really passionate about my community and I can't see myself living anywhere else so I wanted to do something that can make a big impact,"

Hein van der Westhuizen, of Workington, said the degree provides an ideal starting point for young people with an interest in social action.

The 26- year-old said: “The ALP is about giving passionate young people in Cumbria the chance to make a real difference in their communities in a sustainable way. It’s a great programme to learn about yourself and to meet others who are as passionate about positive change.”

Brathay’s Helen Carter has followed their journey closely, as well as providing support.

Mrs Carter said: "The graduation of these 23 young people is testament to what is possible when you are given a chance. Most of them never imagined they would study for a degree. They have juggled family life, work and voluntary commitments with their university studies. So many young people from Cumbria leave to study or find work elsewhere.

"These graduates are already role models and leaders for their communities, committing to the place they love and one they have grown up in. The programme's vision is that, in time, they will lead and manage the voluntary sector across the area. It's probably a bit like passing a driving test - they have all the tools, now the real learning will begin."

Funding for the programme is also provided by Langdale Leisure, Sir John Fisher Foundation and Rathbones.

More information about the programme is available at www.fcsct.org.uk/leadership-programme