Tackling projects about low carbon energy and learning new skills has been the aim of a science activity day.

NuGen - the consortium behind a proposed new nuclear power station on land next to Sellafield - held an action-packed event for the Bright Sparks scheme.

Pupils from three secondary schools visited Energus, at Lillyhall, on Friday to take part in a host of interactive tasks and present their project ideas to peers.

Stephen Bray, communication manager for Nugen, said: "Bright Sparks is an initiative about low carbon energy.

"It is also an opportunity to help STEM education in schools. We help out the schools, and follow their curriculum."

The firm hopes the scheme will inspire youngsters to consider careers in electricity-production and other related roles.

Year 8 and 9 pupils from Whitehaven Academy, Millom School and St Joseph's School, in Workington attended the activity day.

Each school has investigated low carbon energy methods including hydro-power, solar and wind, and presented their ideas and findings at the event.

Tim Bradbury, of Whitehaven Academy, said: "It is brilliant. The students have the opportunity to learn in a variety of different environments."

Students have gone on a cycle ride on the proposed Moorside site and have learnt skills including presenting, project managing, design and development.

Academy pupil Jacob Swinburn, 13, who tackled hydro-power, said: "I enjoyed building our project with my friends in school. We have been doing it during the lunch time at school."

Peter Jewell, head of technology and art at Millom school, said: "It raises awareness of sourcing power and creating opportunities not just for Cumbria but for the UK. It looks at the problems and issues and how they can be overcome by looking at other sources."

The tasks have built up children's soft skills, such as presenting, team work, innovation and communication, he added.

The scheme has enabled students to build confidence working with other students.

Millom pupils are also celebrating after winning an award this week at another science venture - the regional Big Bang event in Liverpool.

Pupil Max Narongchai, 13, has been part of both the Bright Sparks scheme and the Big Bang project.

He said he has enjoyed being part of both, and praised Bright Sparks initiative, saying: "I have found out a lot about the job opportunities available."

Jonathan Anson, head of science at St Joseph's, said: "Other than the science, the students have learnt about team work. There are so many skills that they have picked up along the way."

Sophie Mackenzie, 14, at St Joseph's, said: "It's been exciting and fun as well as learning about the different energy sources."

She said being part of the project has been useful, as it has given her the knowledge about topics that are covered at school.