Pupils enjoy lessons in the snow thanks to Padiham firm (From Chorley Citizen)

Pupils enjoy lessons in the snow thanks to Padiham firm

10:00pm Friday 1st March 2013 in East Lancashire By Chris Adams

VULNERABLE pupils were treated to the trip of a lifetime thanks to a kind-hearted oil firm.

Craggs Energy, based in Padiham, funded a ski trip to the French resort of Châtel for 19 pupils at the Alternative Provision Service (APS) school in Blackburn.

The company, which opened its Wyre Street depot last August, paid for the youngsters to take part in a week-long course that will help them towards their GCSE in physical education.

The students, who all have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, recorded their experience to provide video evidence for a coursework assignment.

George Sinclair, headteacher at the Alternative Provision School, formerly known as Fernhurst School, said: “For many of our students this is a first and only chance to experience foreign travel and engage in winter sports.

“It also provides the opportunity to develop social skills and grow in self-esteem and confidence as they rise to meet the challenges of the week.

“No-one should underestimate the achievements made by our young people on this residential course, or the hard work or dedication of the staff at the APS.”

Ben Duckworth, from Craggs Energy, said: “Our local community involvement is hugely important to us.

“Establishing our new depot in East Lancashire allows us to become part of this community and after a visit to the school, and meeting the teachers and students, the APS ski course seemed like a fantastic cause for us to be involved with.”

Craggs took over the depot from Samuel Cooke and Co, which went into administration last July, leading to the loss of 86 jobs.

The Alternative Provision School, based in Heys Lane, is due to re-launch as The Heights Free School in September.