A group of shining stars at a primary school near Cockermouth have come up with an enterprising way to raise funds.
Twenty eight year four and five children at Bridekirk Dovenby Primary School are taking part in the Bright Stars initiative, led by the Cockermouth-based Centre for Leadership Performance.
The idea of the challenge, open to all county primary schools, is to engage children with leadership and entrepreneurship in a fun way.
Schools taking part each receive £50 with a simple instruction: to make it grow to the highest amount possible through investment and creativity over the course of eight weeks.
After much discussion, the Bridekirk team, calling themselves Shine Bright 28, decided to make and sell a CD featuring popular tracks sung by the school choir. They are also staging a concert next week with Flimby Male Voice Choir.
All profits will be split between Cash for Kids and the school.
The team split themselves into various groups to work on marketing, finance, sponsorship and a weekly blog. They have been supported by business mentor Richard Askew of Armstrong Watson.
They were delighted to secure sponsorship from various local businesses. The money was used to pay for a professional recording studio to come to the school.
Teacher Jill Richardson said: "There are about 50 children in the choir and the Shine Bright 28 team thought it would be good to involve them.
"It's been such a great experience for the children. The teamwork and leadership skills have been outstanding.
"They have been so enthusiastic and really taken ownership of it which has been so empowering.
"We are so grateful to our sponsors and business mentor."
The CDs feature 10 tracks, all current chart hits, and cost £5. They are available from The Toy Shop and Billy Bowman's in Cockermouth and through the school.
The concert will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, February 28, at St Bridget's Church, Bridekirk. There will be a raffle and refreshments.
Tickets are £5 for adults, free for children, and are available from the school on 01900 829889 or admin@bridekirkdovenby.cumbria.sch.uk
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