SCHOOLCHILDREN from Hyndburn have been awarded recognised qualifications after working with the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre as part of a year-long project.

Bronze, silver, and gold art awards were given to youngsters from Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School in Wordsworth Road, Accrington, for their work on the Arts Council-funded project Theatre Company.

The silver awards are worth the equivalent of a GCSE, the standard qualification for secondary school leavers, while the gold awards are worth the same as an A-level, which students usually need to attend college to achieve.

The Oswaldtwistle venue’s project manager Sophie Fitzpatrick, herself a former head girl at Mount Carmel, said: “This project allowed young people aged 12-18 to learn about how a professional show is created, and how professionals run a theatre company.

“We then provided training with industry professionals from all over the country so they could learn about their chosen role within the company.

“These skills allowed them to create an in-house theatre company at the Civic Arts Centre and produce a variety show.”

Each student was given a specific roles – varying from director to choreographer and make-up artist – and were taken on trips to theatres to see that role in a professional capacity.

They later put on their own performance at the Union Road theatre called Behind The Mask, and were later praised by Sophie, who said: “The young people have done a fantastic job and worked so hard.

“All of the arts awards were achieved in their spare time and they have now got the equivalent of a GCSE or A-level.

“What they achieved was incredible. They showed maturity beyond their years and they should be really proud of themselves.”

Mount Carmel head teacher Xavier Bowers said: “This was a fabulous project for them to be involved with and has provided the pupils with life skills that will help them in the future.

“Thanks to the dedication of Sophie Fitzpatrick and the funding arranged by Gayle Knight. This project has ensured they had a unique, unforgettable and worthwhile experience.”