NuGen, the company behind plans for new nuclear complex Moorside, has won an international prize for an education programme.

Bright Sparks – which emphasises sustainability, legacy and education – has been run in three schools in Copeland and won the communications title at the Public Information Materials Exchange, held in The Netherlands.

It beat entries from the USA and Canada because of its “direct focus”.

John McNamara, head of communications at NuGen, originated the project but said the honour of winning was shared with local schools, their teachers and pupils.

“This award is international recognition from communications experts, so it has real meaning to our own staff in how we are trying to develop a project with community sustainability and positive legacy at its heart.

“But we were judged on material which showed our local interactions. So the teachers, pupils and parents of Whitehaven Academy, St Benedict’s and Millom are the real stars of this award.”