SECONDARY schools across Carlisle are in with the chance of winning a once in a lifetime visit to the Falkland Islands. 

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, has written to secondary schools in the Carlisle constituency encouraging pupils aged between 16-18 years old to enter the Falklands Forty Schools Competition - a key part in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands. 

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The competition will offer eight places to students in the UK from all backgrounds to win a trip to the Falkland Islands as they will be accompanied by academics to explore what the islands have to offer. 

To enter, students are being asked the question 'What does the Falkland Islands mean to you', which can be answered in the form of a film, podcast, essay or poster with a deadline of July 31 to apply. 

 

All eligible submissions will be judged by a panel, led by adventurer, author, and television personality Ben Fogle, who is an enthusiastic supporter of the Falklands. 

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John Stevenson MP said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for students in Carlisle to enter the competition and win the chance to visit the Falklands, in this the 40th year since the end of the Falklands conflict. 

"I’m encouraging all 16-18 year olds across Carlisle to apply and good luck to those that do," he said.

The competition is being ran as a collaborative effort between between the Falkland Islands Government, led by the office in London, and academics from the University of Exeter, University of Newcastle and the Royal Holloway University. 

Applicants are being encouraged that they will get the amazing opportunity to explore the Islands, meet Islanders, and some of the 1,000,000 penguins and 450,000 sheep. 

Also to commemorate the event, the city will see over 100 Falklands veterans marching from the South Atlantic Medal Association on Saturday, May 14, with the parade commencing at 1pm from the grounds of Carlisle Cathedral marching to the Cenotaph, led by Pipe Major Steven Duffy.

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