Business-smart primary school children from across Cumbria took part in a Covid-safe virtual celebration of their achievements in the Bright Stars 2020 competition.

Children involved in developing money-making ideas with their business partner companies presented on camera to share the fun they had earning cash for their schools and chosen charities in the event, organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance.

Prizes of £150 and certificates were awarded to winners in 10 categories.

These are: most profitable business – Montreal C of E Primary School in Cleator Moor partnered with William King; best example of teamwork and leadership – Moor Row Primary School partnered with Doosan Babcock; best marketing idea – St James’ C of E Infant and Nursery School in Whitehaven partnered with Xtreme Fitness; best customer service – Walton and Lees Hill C of E Primary School partnered with Cumbria Waste Group; best example of innovation – Orgill Primary School partnered with Armstrong Watson; best example of collaboration – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Harrington partnered by Atkins; best example of community involvement – Moresby Primary School partnered by Kaefer and AS Designs; best business plan – Holm Cultram Abbey C of E School in Wigton partnered by Reays; best application of technology – Victoria Academy in Ulverston partnered by Oxley Developments; best business for good – Newbarns Primary and Nursery School in Barrow-in-Furness partnered by Orian.

Budding entrepreneurs from children in Years 5 and 6 at Moor Row Primary School set up 'The Moorrownians' to help promote healthy living.

A spokesman said: “All pupils demonstrated great team work and leadership and worked together to run a healthy snack shop.

“They organised a treasure hunt around the village over half term to get children off their Xbox and outside into the fresh air and, prior to the current pandemic, they organised a Valentine’s coffee afternoon, a fitness afternoon and a World Book Day quiz to encourage more children to enjoy reading. From the money raised throughout the scheme, a donation will be made by the children to their chosen charity, the NSPCC.”

Moor Row School has signed up once more to take part in the programme with the theme of making a difference within their own school environment and within the local village.

The school has strong links with the community and the children are currently looking at ways that they can involve them in their plans while still sticking to all Covid social distancing rules.

Mrs McQuirk, senior leader, said: “This is a great opportunity for the children to build on the skills they learnt during the previous project while also building further links with our local community.”

Bright Stars 2021 has been engineered to be Covid-compliant. Children and their business partners will communicate online via conference calls and video chats. The focus of the programme has shifted from making a profit to making a difference, with children campaigning on issues that matter to them locally, nationally or internationally.

Almost 30 schools are set to take part, with sponsorship from BAE Systems enabling more companies within their supply chain to get involved in 2021.

CfLP executive director Sarah Glass said: “The children raised thousands of pounds with their business ideas in 2020 and their hard work, enthusiasm, and innovation was truly inspiring. Every school performed fantastically well and we were all determined that their achievements should be celebrated despite the Covid restrictions. Children, teachers and business representatives were able to share their success and also express their enthusiasm to take part in the next Bright Stars challenge from January to March 2021.”

To learn more about the programme, visit https://www.cforlp.org.uk/events-bright-stars.html