THE award for social and community development went to Burnley aerospace firm Aircelle.

Developing partnerships with community education establishments like Hargher Clough Youth and Community Centre and Shuttleworth High School, the company welcomed 800 pupils from five schools onto the site in March to give them an insight into the world of manufacturing.

And the company has already committed to manage the venture again next year.

The Bancroft Road firm, which employs 950 people, has also agreed to provide 32 work experience placements for Year 10 pupils and is organising visits to the site for children as young as primary school age.

Two teachers have also been given the chance to gain an Institute of Leadership and Management qualification with the company’s leadership team, with all costs being met by Aircelle.

Volunteer science ambassadors from the workforce have also supported activities in schools, reaching out to more than 4,000 students across Lancashire.

Pete Baber, programmes director, said: “It was great news to find out we had won and it is great for the employees who have worked so hard with the children.

“There were so many members of staff that got involved and loved having the kids there.

“The children were surprised about what manufacturing is like and hopefully we will see them come through in the years to come.

“That is really important, especially in Burnley.

“It is about showing them what they can do. So many of them believed they did not have a future, but the programme is very much showing them what they can actually achieve.”

Janet Ambler, skills development partner, said: “We are particularly proud of managing and hosting the Work Inspiration event.

“It was so successful, the way it was done is now seen as UK best practice.”