Children from a number of primary schools in the area gathered at The Forum for the Kickstart awards evening.

Pupils from 12 schools across Barrow attended the event, hosted by Inspiring Barrow.

The children had completed the Inspiring Barrow, Kickstart programme.

Over a 2 month period, they attended sessions after school to improve, confidence, resilience, teamwork, leadership and communication skills.

A half term trip to The Kepplewray Centre at Broughton, expanded on these skills as the children tested themselves in a number of activities, including: archery, bush craft, crate stacking and the Giant Tree Climb.

Mrs Clair Hensman, HM Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria presented special awards on the night.

Dave Cassidy, Project leader at Inspiring Barrow, said: “It has been an amazing experience working with the children and seeing their skills develop over the sessions.

"These skills are the Soft Skills that we know the local economy needs so to be exposed to the development of them at a young age can only be a good thing.”

He went on to say: "The fact that some many families are supporting this programme across the area gives me a lot of pride in the impact it is having.

"Seeing so many people come out for this presentation in awful weather on a Friday night tells me that it’s something that everyone has enjoyed."

The Kickstart programme continues in the New Year.