Asda Southport hosts a Picnic for Pudsey!

ASDA Southport Community Champion, Sharon Gregory, hosted a:- 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' in aid of BBC Children in Need. The picnic took place at St Phillip's Primary School, and played host to over 20 children, with plenty going on throughout the day of fundraising, the event included lots of 'bear-y' exciting activities, from teddy bear bingo to traditional tombola and even a visit from Pudsey himself.

Asda hosted Teddy Bear's Picnics across the UK, throughout July, in an aid to raise funds and support over 30,000 disadvantaged children in local communities across the UK.

Sharon Gregory, Community Champion, at Asda Southport, explains:- "I was delighted to host the Teddy's Bear's Picnic for BBC Children in Need; it was a fantastic day and it was great to raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause! Asda has been a partner of BBC Children in Need for 18 years, and we're delighted to do out bit here in Southport to support the cause. The picnic was the perfect way to kick start our celebrations!"

Southport students get insight into logistics industry during workshops

PUPILS from Meols Cop High School, in Southport, were given an insight into the logistics industry during a visit by transportation experts.  The pupils from the School welcomed Rachael Scanlin Davis and Julie Ann Kirkham from Transport Training Academy (TTA) who talked to years eight, nine and ten pupils about what the logistics industry is, and the types of career opportunities available.

The visit was organised as part of a campaign by TTA, which has bases in Atherton and Burnley, to help attract more young people into the logistics industry and to help dispel any stereotypes and myths.

Rachael and Julie also told pupils about TTA's art competition to design the side of one of their 31ft trucks, which is being run as part of the campaign. Pupils at the School also had the chance to see the blank truck and sit in the cab.

Elaine Meredith, a career's advisor from Career Connect who works for Meols Cop High said:- "I approached Transport Training Academy after reading in the local newspaper about TTA's art competition, #Transform My Truck which promoted careers in logistics. As a career's adviser, I'm always looking for anything that promotes logistics, and all the different career opportunities available in the sector, as I know it's a growth area. The students really enjoyed the day and learned a lot form their discussions with professionals who gave them an insight into what goes on in logistics."

Rachel Scanlin-Davis, director of TTA said:- "We were delighted to visit Meols Cop High School, the children were very enthusiastic and we hope that they will consider jobs in logistics in the future. We are passionate about educating people about the industry and hope the competition has helped to highlight the career opportunities available and encourage young talent into the sector. The logistics industry is facing a major shortage of drivers, with numbers falling year on year. If the shortage isn't addressed it will likely have a very harmful effect on the UK economy as a whole."

Katie Gall, Meols Cop High art teacher said:- "The TTA presentation was singularly the best activity I've taken part in with KS3 this year. The kids were totally engaged, and Rachael and Julie were fantastic."

The competition called on children to use their skills, knowledge and innovation to draw the different modes of transport used to send something from 1 location to another. 2 winning designs will be chosen, 1 from age category 12 and under and another from 13 to 16.

The lucky winners will have their designs printed onto 1 side each of Transport Training Academy's blank truck...