CHILDREN enjoyed a tour of two specialist nuclear ships in the latest trip organised as part of the Furness Future Leaders’ Academy .

The youngsters were invited to the International Nuclear Services Marine Terminal in Barrow to take a tour of Pacific Egret and Pacific Grebe

The summer school project is aimed at developing leadership, team work and communication skills amongst 100 children from 26 local schools.

The leadership academy was founded by Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock and has been supported by the International Nuclear Services since it began in 2014.

The children were treated to a tour by Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited captains Elston and Hadfield.

They were also given a talk by PNTL Second Officer Kate Allen.

Miss Allen, who has been with PNTL for 13 years, explained the benefits a career in maritime can have for boys and girls and also told the young people about her journey in the maritime.

She said: “The visit was a fantastic opportunity to tell the young people about the exciting, rewarding and varied opportunities that the maritime careers can offer, many of them right here on their doorstep.

“It’s always exciting to see children’s enthusiasm for ships and maritime, and I hope today’s visit will inspire them to consider a future career in the industry.”

INS and PNTL are part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and have been based in Barrow for over 40 years.

During which this time, they have grown into the world-leaders at shipping nuclear material.

Operating four specialist nuclear vessels they employ around 170 crew members, many of whom started as cadets in the local area.

INS and PNTL have long supported schemes that inspire young people to seek a brighter future in the local area.

In particular, they are committed to promoting gender balance in both the nuclear and maritime sectors and are signing up to the Women in Maritime Pledge which makes clear their support for creating positive change within the organisation and across the UK maritime sector.

Miss Allen said: “It was encouraging to see a mix of boys and girls at today’s visit and have the opportunity to impress upon them that careers in the nuclear and maritime sectors offer great opportunities for people from all genders and backgrounds.”

The children also presented the ships captains with posters promoting recycling to put up around the site.

Earlier this week they met Councillors Anne Burns and Bill McEwan to talk about recycling and keeping the town clean.