MORE than 70 Merseyside Schools have kicked off the week with the UK’s first national schools’ Shine festival.

The festival challenges schools to find and celebrate a talent in every one of their pupils.

Events across the country will run until Friday showcasing dance, music, film, sport, science, enterprise and less recognised talents such as caring and leadership.

Students will also be able to upload video, audio images and text on a virtual wall of talent gathering together talent from across the country.

Celebrities including Peter Jones from television’s Dragon Den’, athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, and Olympic Hopeful 14-year-old Tom Daly have leant their support to the festival.

Tom Daley said “Young people today can sometimes be overlooked and their positive talents can go unnoticed. I’m really proud to be supporting Shine so that schools and young people can have their talents recognised. ”

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “Every parent will agree with me that all children have a talent.

“I know from first-hand experience that there are many exciting activities in schools designed to unlock young people’s potential.’’