Pupils have been getting their hands mucky, their muscles working and smiles beaming with their good deed-filled project – and they couldn’t be happier.

Schools across Cumbria are taking part in this year’s Bright Stars – led by the Centre for Leadership Performance – with the 2021 goal being to make a difference, as opposed to the project’s usual aim of seeing pupils make a profit.

And the prospect of having a positive impact on the community was all the draw that Thursby Primary School assistant headteacher, Dave Colombi, needed, signing his team of raring-to-go youngsters up for the challenge as soon as he could.

Together, the youngsters chose the theme of "green", be it eating healthier, cleaning up their village or helping others to live a more sustainable life – and they even created a special mascot, the Green Bean, which is featured on all work promoting what they've done.

"It's taken over my life in so many good ways," he said.

"The children have got a lot out if so far, and they're loving every second of doing some really good stuff for the community.

"We've got such caring, thoughtful children at Thursby, so doing all of this is exactly what they all love to do."

The youngsters' project kicked off when they teamed up with Carlisle Foodbank, bringing in a tin of food to donate on their "green non-uniform day".

Together, the group collected the food, piled it into trays and loaded them on to the foodbank's van – collecting enough food to feed 13 families for three days.

And this was only the beginning, with the group since completing a litter pick around Thursby, planting their own vegetables to grow food for other pupils' meals, and reusing milk cartons to plant seeds, which will be delivered throughout the community in the next couple of weeks.

With so many wonderful tasks completed, and even more yet to come, it's no surprise that everyone in the village is thrilled with the pupils' work.

Mr Colombi said: "The children have had people waving at them while they were litter picking, and coming over to thank them for their hard work, which they have all been so happy about.

"It's great, because it's letting them really see the impact they're having on the village – they're getting that feedback in that moment, and it's such a great way for them to see how much their work is appreciated, and what a difference they're making.

"I think they were a bit disappointed when they realised what a nice, clean village Thursby is – I think they wanted more litter to clean up!"

He continued: "It's not just having that direct impact on the area, though, because the children are also having a more indirect impact as well.

"They've been asking family and friends for help with the project, so parents with small business have been getting involved and donating items to help the children out, which is benefitting everyone."

But it's not just the community who are seeing a positive impact, as Mr Colombi is also thrilled with the effect of the project on his dedicated Green Beans.

He said: "I'm so proud of them, and you can just see in their faces that they're so engaged with the project, and are really enjoying making a difference.

"As soon as I say we're working on Bright Stars, their faces light up, and you can see the concentration come over them straight away.

"They're learning so many valuable skills – leadership, teamwork, working with the community, even things like learning the value of money, and building their confidence.

"It's fantastic to see, and they're all doing such a great job. The best part is how much they enjoy it – there's a real buzz in the atmosphere when they're working on their project, and they just love it."

He added: "I've asked Bright Stars if the theme of making a difference can continue next year as well, and I really hope it does, because it's been brilliant."

To find out more about what the pupils have been up to, visit the Centre for Leadership Performance website. at www.cforlp.org.uk/bright-stars/primary.