AN ULVERSTON primary is the latest to receive help from male role models in a programme started by Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock.

Six apprentices from Siemens Subsea in Ulverston have signed up to volunteer at Croftlands Junior School.

Mr Woodcock launched the initiative in January after a meeting with head teachers to discuss ways of getting more men into schools that have predominantly female staff.

After serving as a mentor at several Barrow schools himself, the MP wrote to local firms for recruits.

He said: “There is a lot of evidence that male role-models are important in tackling problems of under-achievement among boys, providing motivation and helping them to understand the value of school and study.

“Our schools have superb teaching staff, but in many cases the teachers are female, so it is fantastic that local employers are signing up to this scheme.

“I’m really grateful to the lads from Siemens Subsea for signing up as mentors at Croftlands School – I know they will make a big impression with the children there.”

Other businesses which have expressed an interest in joining the scheme include GlaxoSmithKline in Ulverston and BAE Systems.

Firms or people who would like more information are asked to call Catherine Reay on 01229 431204.