PUPILS from a Keighley school have paid a special tribute to a staff member who died last year.

Proceeds from the sale of items made by Holy Family students during a construction challenge will be donated to the hospice which cared for her.

Sharon Hartley, the school’s student officer, died last year at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands.

A team of year-ten pupils used recycled materials to make ‘homes’ for birds, hedgehogs and insects during the Interbuild challenge, organised by housing group Incommunities.

The youngsters were up against teams from Carlton Bolling College and Oastlers School in Bradford – and won.

Holy Family pupil, Ebony Farkas, 15, said: “It was really challenging but exciting turning our designs into the final product in just a few hours.

“It’s extra special to be doing this to remember Mrs Hartley, and some of the items will be displayed in school.

“The day really made me think about design and construction as a career option.”

The initiative began late last year when each team was given a brief to design and develop a new product and include a full business plan.

And the challenge culminated with the students coming together at Incommunities’ construction training centre to present and build their prototypes.

Support was provided by some of the housing group’s trade professionals and apprentices.

The competition coincided with National Apprenticeship Week, aimed at inspiring a new generation of apprentices from schools.

Incommunities’ assistant chief executive (asset management), Angela Perry, said it was “inspiring” to see the students bring their ideas to life.

“The competition has proved a great way for them to develop their business skills and hopefully it’s given them a taste for the challenges faced in industry,” she added.

“You never know, in a few years’ time we could see some of these young people taking their first steps into an apprenticeship or other rewarding business career.”