Volunteers from BAE Systems Submarines helped with the COVID testing regime that allowed schools to open this month.

The business allowed workers paid time off to assist with giving Lateral Flow Tests if schools felt they would benefit from extra assistance. Tests had to be done in school for the first two weeks. Pupils will do the testing at home from Monday, March 22.

To help out during the first two weeks, 20 volunteers from BAE Systems dedicated 335 hours in total at three schools in Barrow: Chetwynde, Walney and St Bernard’s.

Chetwynde School Headteacher Steve Jefferson said: “I would like to thank BAE Systems and the staff volunteers for all of their help and support. With their help it made a difficult logistical challenge, easier for us.

“Having volunteers in school leading on the testing, meant that staff could focus on teaching the curriculum, with as little disruption as possible. All of the staff that attended the school were hardworking, supportive and dedicated. I look forward to working with BAE Systems again in the future.”

Amy Lamph, Corporate Responsibility Management Advisor at the shipyard, said: “We understood the pressures schools would be under to staff this initiative once pupils returned.

“We are pleased to have provided support to help schools test their pupils and help them understand the process ready for at-home testing to begin from March 22.

“Our volunteers have said they felt proud to represent BAE Systems to support their community and that the schools did a great job at organising the testing.”