PUPILS were set the challenge of finding out as much as they could about their community back in 1989 and turned the information into a town trail.

Youngsters from Broughton Church of England School went out in teams 30 years ago to record everything they saw and answer questions such as what was the original name of the Manor Arms and how many chimneys can be seen from Broughton Square?

The Mail, on July 21, noted: "The youngsters aged nine to 11 managed to cram scores of fascinating items about Broughton into their publication, which even includes details of a two-hour guided walk and an absorbing place name word search.

"The idea for the town trail came from Jane Cole, of Ulverston-based Furness Rural Enterprise, who succeeded with a similar project in north Cumbria.

"With support from local business and Duddon parish council, Jane took her idea to headmaster David Dixon.

"His pupils shared his enthusiasm, working to complete their project before breaking up for the holidays."

Copies of the Broughton Town Trail went on sale at the tourism information office for 50p.

Pupils at the school tried out a very different trail in 1988 when an outdoor maths experience was developed.

The Mail, on May 1988, noted: "The main outdoor trail consists of a booklet which asks the children 30 questions about the environment to encourage skills in observation, estimating, assessing area and measuring.

County maths co-ordinator Mary Hannah hoped other schools could seen pupils to try out the Broughton trail.

Quick-witted Broughton pupils showed how much they knew about keeping safe to win a trophy in 1996.

They won an annual quiz organised by the Ulverston and Disrict Home Safety Committee against Croftlands Juniors in a final held at St Mary's Catholic Centre, Ulverston.

A total of 11 schools took part in the contest and Ulverston mayor Cllr Barbara Crellin said: "They really deserved it and were worthy winners.

The Broughton team was Beatrice Batchelor, Corinne Berry, Alison Winch, Sarah Browne and Lee Hazeldine.

Broughton headteacher Christine Cunningham said: "We are very proud of them and they worked very hard to win the competition."