A group of year 11 pupils have been promised a financial lifeline as they look to kickstart their careers in engineering and science.

The React Foundation and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers West Cumbria pledged to help pupils by giving them bursaries as part of a Promise Evening held at Whitehaven Golf Club.

Secondary schools across West Cumbria submitted entries with a final total of 13 students promised a cash boost.

Cockermouth sixth form student Adam Kirkwood received the foundation's top prize, the Bursary Award, and will receive £3,000.

Adam, who plans to study computer science at Durham University, said: "By studying computer science, I hope to take part in future developments and advancements of technology, and be a creator rather than a user."

Rachael Vatter, also from Cockermouth School, picked up the IMechE West Cumbria Bursary Award of £1,000.

She hopes to study mechanical engineering at Loughborough University.

The following were awarded £200 each: 

Zack Kirkman, of Beacon Hill School, Aspatria, Ella Skillbeck, of Cockermouth School, Tom Hind and Robert Spedding, of Keswick School, Charlie Minshaw, of Energy Coast UTC at Lillyhall, Daniel Cooper, of St Joseph’s School, Workington, Sadie Barnes, Zoe Martin and Will Smith, of Workington Academy, and William Manning and Lucy Reynolds, of Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton.

Pete Woolaghan chairman of the React Foundation said: "The whole purpose of the awards evening is for us to encourage local young people to aspire careers in engineering and science."