On Wednesday 6 July Howard Ashworth, co-owner of Recognition Express, visited Year 6 pupils at St Mary Magdalen’s CE Primary School in Accrington, to teach them how to print their own mugs, with a special design created by the class, to keep as a memento of their time at the school.

Howard, whose franchise specialises in corporate and branded merchandise, runs the business with his son Paul, and came up with the idea of running a Design A Mug competition at the school after being contacted by the Headteacher, Karen Hardman, to supply some ‘Writer of the Week’ pens.

Karen said: “Howard suggested running a Design a Mug competition and when I asked if the children could watch the process of the mugs being printed, he offered to bring the equipment into the school. We are keen to give the children opportunities to experience real jobs, and who knows, it may inspire them about the kind of work they might like to do when they leave school.”

Howard said: “It’s really enjoyable running this initiative with the school and to engage with the pupils about what we do for a living. The mugs are also a great leaving gift. I hope we can come in and do this every year.”

The finished mug design incorporates a picture created by the pupils along with the names of everyone in the class.

Nisa Ahmed, Year 6 pupil said: “I’ve really enjoyed this project and it was great fun making the mugs. I’ll miss being at the school so it’s nice to have something I can keep forever.”

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