Talented pupils at a Whitehaven school were set the challenge of colonising a new planet during National Science Week activities.

A group of year seven pupils at St Benedict's Catholic School took part in 'Destination Milky Way', where they were asked to develop the most sustainable options for water and waste disposal, energy production, transport, food production and construction.

The students presented their work to senior west Cumbria business leaders, who offered advice throughout the day.

"It is really important for St Benedict’s to be involved with our local and wider communities with projects such as 'Destination Milky Way'," said headteacher Ian Smith.

"I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in this really worthwhile enterprise.

"I am delighted to welcome so many local business people into school to take part in inspiring our young people as part of National Science Week.

"Most of all, I am very proud of our students who have conducted themselves in a really positive way to engage with this project, and with our visitors."

Students began the day by listening to a talk by Kate Wilson, from Business Toolbox, before working in teams and using project management techniques to learn new skills.

Businesses involved in the day included Wates, Kaefer, United Utilities, Wild and Fruitful Co-op, Morgan Sindall, Sellafield and the BEPDT (Box Encapsulation Plant Delivery team) and Business Toolbox Cumbria.

Paul Hoyle, operations director at Kaefer, said: "As a large employer in west Cumbria we feel we have responsibility to support events such as these.

"Today pupils have experienced the skills that are used in business every day, and it is vital that we engage them at this young age.

"It is rewarding for our graduate employees to support the pupils while assisting in developing their own confidence and management skills in different areas of work, as well as offering them an opportunity to collaborate with other companies."

And Katie Harper, from Business in the Community, who helped organised the event, said: "The day was about inspiring young people to be interested in science subjects related to sustainable communities.

"The children worked in teams, using project management techniques to develop new knowledge and skills.

"It offered the pupils a real opportunity to work with business representatives."