PUPILS from a Furness school welcomed a special talk from a set of 'inspirational' visitors.

Students from Dowdales school in Dalton embraced a series of sessions with the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman, Reverend Mark Wroe, Reverend Ruth Crossley and Furness Network Youth Minister Victoria Sekasi as part of the Moving Mountains project on March 9.

The project which sees churches working together across Cumbria to unite in locally organised mission, outreach and evangelism from March 8- 11.

Bishop Hardman delivered a full school assembly highlighting the importance of meeting with youngsters across the north of England to hear their views and highlighted the importance of celebrating International Women’s Day.

Pupils then undertook a series of sessions from a leadership Q&A to modern government and religious debate.

Headteacher Julie O’Connor said: “We were extremely excited to welcome Bishop Christine to school today to come and share her faith, beliefs and experience of leadership with our students.

"As a school we share the same values as Bishop Christine is that every youngster in special, unique and we want the best for all of our students. Both the assembly and the sessions delivered to our students today were extremely inspiring with the content of the GCSE sessions being relevant to our students as young people, as well as all aspects of the GCSE curriculum.”

Academic Team Leader for Religious Studies and Citizenship Vicky Bunter said: “Dowdales was privileged to have a visit from Bishop Christine Hardman.

"Bishop Christine spent time with different groups in school eloquently discussing her role in politics, raising aspirations and sharing her Christian beliefs.

"It was an amazing morning and the students learnt lots and loved her enthusiasm and passion for life, her ministry and young people, including how the church has adapted to the needs of young people.”