A Walney newsagent donated an annual award to South Walney Junior School in memory of his mother in 1993.

Rajesh Patel, of Mr Newsagents at Ocean Road, had moved to Barrow from Birmingham 14 months previously.

His mother, Lalita Patel, died at the age of 39 from kidney failure and Mr Patel had always tried to do something every year in her memory.

"She had always been a believer in education and always liked children," said Mt Patel.

He approached John Heap, headteacher at the school, who decided to award it for the greatest achievement in poetry by a pupil during the year.

Mr Heap said: "I wanted to make poetry a big thing and make the children realise poetry is worth writing about.

"It is one of those things children do rather well when they have the opportunity."

History was brought to life at South Walney Junior School in 1995.

A visiting theatre company was exploring World War Two by giving performances.

Actors from Jack In The Box Theatre Company enacted a series of linked sketches about the war in Blitz and Pieces.

More than 250 students were enthralled as the company reproduced the day-to-day experiences of people in British homes as major historical battles of the war unfolded.

Year six teacher Steve Patton said the performances brought learning to life as students heard the great speeches of World War Two leaders recreated.

They included the famous words spoken by Winston Churchill following the Battle of Britain, his tribute to The Few.

"Ae we cover this as part of our topic work, it gave a type of concrete back up," said Mr Patton.

"The pupils saw uniforms and gas masks.

"I always think it's refreshing not to have the teacher there speaking to students all the time. It's good to have the visual impact of costumes and scenes."