Primary school pupils across Cumbria are kicking their year off as little leaders thanks to Bright Stars 2020.

The competition, organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance in partnership with Cumbrian businesses, introduces the youngsters to entrepreneurship, leadership and the world of business.

From January 13 and throughout the eight-week-long task, pupils will be given a £50 business stake to grow, raising funds for their chosen charities.

Schools taking part in the challenge are partnered with local companies and organisations, including Allerdale Borough Council, Armstrong Watson Accountants and Xtreme Fitness, as a way to forge links with their communities.

As part of the process, the children must use their creativity and hard work to set up mini businesses, thinking about products, costs, marketing, teamwork and management.

CfLP executive director, Sarah Glass said: "Raising the aspiration and confidence of Cumbria's young people is a vital part of the CfLP's work, and it is never too early to start.

"The schools find Bright Stars is hugely beneficial, introducing the children to leadership and working together, and the activity incorporates core curriculum subjects including into maths and English."

She added: "It is a huge confidence builder for the children, and also brings companies closer to their local communities.

"Our business partners recognise the importance of engaging with young children, and those taking part range from huge multinationals to local entrepreneurs, with sponsorship from Sellafield Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Kaefer enabling SMEs and smaller enterprises to take part."

The competition closes on March 9, with the winners announced on March 13 and a celebration on March 25 to acknowledge the achievements of the young entrepreneurs and their partner businesses.

Prizes of £150 cash will be awarded to the school that raises the most money and for other categories including best profitability, teamwork, marketing idea, customer service, innovation, collaboration, and community involvement.

Schools involved with the challenge, and their paired companies, include;

Ashfield Junior School – Allerdale Borough Council

Blennerhasset Primary School – Sealy UK

Dearham Primary School – Iggesund

Ewanrigg Junior School – LocaliQ

Frizington Community Primary School – The Entrepreneurs Group Ltd/Balfour Beatty

Gosforth Primary School – Wood PLC

High Hesket CE Primary School – Capita

Holm Cultram Abbey CE School – Reays

Montreal CE Primary School – William King Construction/Sellafield Ltd

Moor Row Primary School – Doosan

Moresby Primary School – AS Design/Kaefer

Newbarns Primary and Nursery School – Orian Solutions Ltd

Orgill Primary School – Armstrong Watson Accountants

St James CE Infants and Nursery School – Xtreme Fitness

St Joseph’s Primary School – The Vicky Business Centre/Balfour Beatty

St Mary's Catholic Primary School (Harrington) – Atkins

Valley Primary School – Morgan Sindall

Victoria Academy – Oxley Group

Walton and Lees Hill CE Primary School – Cumbria Waste Group

Westfield Nursery and Primary School – Amcor