Schools Super Snap competition front runners

Hats off and capes away to the two front runners in the Schools Super Snap Competition, organised by Blackpool Carers Centre to raise awareness of young carers.

Two small schools with big hearts led the way in showing others that young carers are truly super heroic at home – and wear so many hats too.

Staff and pupils at Highfurlong School made a very special effort on behalf of the resort’s young carers – donning all manner of hats for Young Carers Awareness Day.

But it was the Carers’ Superheroes Assembly at Kincraig Primary, Bispham, which triumphed ultimately – claiming the very first Schools Super Snap award and certificate.

As befits superheroes, Blackpool’s first citizens, Mayor and Mayoress Coun Ian Coleman and Mrs Mavis Coleman, did the honours escorted by the charity’s mascot Rocco the donkey.

The school, which won high praise in a recent Ofsted inspection with behaviour and safeguarding rated as outstanding, rose to the challenge set – and sent Batman, Superman, Captain America, Spiderman, Thor and other mini marvels to the aid of young carers.

The school also raised £121 for Blackpool Carers Centre – and both schools raised awareness of young carers through their social media platforms too.

It’s hoped the event will go from strength to strength as most schools have carers helping out at home in a manner which goes way beyond routine pocket money chores.

Blackpool Carers Centre is the main charitable beneficiary of the Mayor’s year in office as the campaign for a respite lodge at Beaverbrooks House, Newton Drive, gains momentum under project leader Terry Hodkinson.

The Mayor explained: “I’m a little older than a young carer as I’m 78, but my wife needs help and I care for her.

“I am overwhelmed by the commitment of young carers to their loved ones.’

The Mayoress, wheelchair-bound since a fall, received flowers from the school and paid tribute to the “great generosity of spirit and warmth felt there.”

The Mayor urged the children to remember there were young carers in their midst and to try to cheer them up and help or get help if they were fed up or tired or upset.

He told them: “Give them hope that someone is there to help them when they need it the most. Some children are only five when they start caring for someone.”

Assistant head teacher Alex Kilpatrick said pupils had come to realise just how much young carers did at home.

“We were delighted to support Young Carers Awareness day.

“It’s great to lead the way in the very first Super Snap competition– we hope many more follow.”