Cumbria’s MPs had their own Question Time sessions online with primary school pupils.

This set the launch of the 2022 Bright Stars business challenge programme that invited the tiny tycoons to ‘make a profit and make a difference’ running their own social enterprise businesses.

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, met with youngsters from Asby Endowed School and Morland Area Church of England Primary School, to talk about how he supports communities and leads change.

Pupils asked about a wide range of subjects from life as a vet and how he became an MP to national issues and climate change.

More than 60 primary schools across Cumbria are taking part in Bright Stars 2022, which partners pupils with local businesses to run their own mini social enterprises designed to make a profit and a difference.

Now in its 10th year, the Centre for Leadership Performance-run scheme, lasts eight week and introduces primary school pupils to the world of work in a dun and accessible way.

Hudson said: "Businesses are the backbone of this country and it’s great to see Cumbrian children being given an insight on business and social enterprise from such a young age – I have no doubt that many of the pupils I met will go on to be the entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future."

Centre for Leadership Performance, Executive Director, Sarah Glass said: "For the children connecting directly with their local MPs is a huge bonus and boosts their confidence and engagement with the programme.

"The Bright Stars collaboration with Cumbrian businesses and organisations brings them closer to their local communities and the youngsters who are their future workforce.

"Their support also helps to fund the programme, which is encouraging the leaders of tomorrow.”

Bright Stars saw 1,500 pupils taking part last year.

Each school is given £50 in ‘seed money’ to start their social enterprise businesses which started trading on Tuesday, May 3, and must complete the challenge on Friday, June 24.

READ MORE: Neil Hudson MP discusses rural learning issues with Alston pupils