Pupils from more than a dozen schools have quizzed their MP on how to make positive change within the community.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison held a live Q&A session with a total of 13 schools across the borough yesterday (April 30), all of which are taking part the Bright Stars Business Challenge, which aims to help youngsters understanding how to run an effective campaign on important topics to them.

As part of the scheme, pupils from Moor Row Community Primary School, Gosforth Cof E Primary School and Keswick’s St Herberts and other schools met with Mrs Harrison to understand how she supports the community, and leads change.

Mrs Harrison said: “Inspiring the younger generation to effect positive change within their communities is incredibly important and for me, is what being an MP is all about.

"I was thrilled to join 13 of my local primary schools today to hear about their exciting plans, and help guide their visions into a positive and manageable campaign to help them make the changes they want to see."

She added: “A huge thank you to the Centre of Leadership Performance for once again providing these types of opportunities which help to encourage and nurture creative minds, build confidence and leadership skills as well as educating that anything is possible.”

The innovative eight-week programme, project-managed by the Centre for Leadership Performance, is funded by local businesses passionate about nurturing the leaders of the future, and getting youngsters excited about the world of business and enterprise.

Bright Stars partners primary schools with companies to help pupils set up and run their own mini businesses, encouraging leadership and a culture of aspiration and enterprise.

But for Bright Stars 2021, the focus is shifting from making a profit to making a difference, by creating digital marketing campaigns to champion worthwhile causes chosen by the children.

Now in its ninth year, the challenge introduces Cumbrian youngsters to leadership, entrepreneurship and teamwork and gets them excited about the world of business in a fun accessible way, giving them the opportunity to learn about key business principles while linking with core currciculum subjects such as English, maths and design and technology.

CfLP executive director, Sarah Glass, said: “We are hugely grateful to Cumbrian businesses and our local MPs for supporting Bright Stars and enabling children to gain the full benefits of this fantastic opportunity.

"CfLP believes we can all step up and show leadership, so providing children as young as 5 to make a difference and develop their leadership skills, confidence and self-belief is vital."

She continued: “Bright Stars provides young people with opportunities to be inspired, exposed to positive role models from the world of business and to build aspirations and confidence as they showcase hidden talents and see that their actions will be recognised and their voices will be heard.”