YEAR nine students of Workington’s St Joseph’s Catholic High School have completed a pilot program of the newly launched Cumbrian Award.

The award aims to instil a sense of civic pride in young Cumbrians; and for participants to explore their local area, as well as to increase their cultural awareness and develop their skills in business and enterprise.

Students have been completing assignments based around the three strands of Adventure, Enterprise, and Culture throughout the term.

Most recently students have been on a series of adventure walks in the national park.

These included a five mile hike up Dodd fell and a woodland trek around Crummock water.

These trips allowed students to develop their navigational, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Co-ordinator of the award in school, Mr Graeme Simpson, believes the award is a fantastic way to address some of the issues faced in the area by young people.

He said: “Moving from out of the area to live in Cumbria I have been struck by the number of young people who do not regularly enjoy the beautiful fells and lakes on the doorstep.

“This award has been brilliant in introducing children to the beauty of their county and what it has to offer”.

Year 9 student Chloe Habicher who has particularly enjoyed the adventure strand, said: “Going on the hike has really helped me to get out of my comfort zone and it has definitely encouraged me to spend more time outdoors from now on”.

The Enterprise strand has appealed to Kendra Rogerson, also year 9.

Kendra said: “The enterprise challenge has inspired us to make the projects as much about Cumbria as possible which is important as it helps us to better connect with our local area and it’s heritage”.