BUDDING young entrepreneurs from Sapperton are being challenged to make as much money as they can in just four weeks.

Pupils from Years 3 to 6 at Sapperton Primary School taking part in the Young Apprentice Scheme have been given a small starting budget of £5.

Pupils with the best ideas will get with a pitch at the school’s highland games event on Saturday.

Head teacher Dawn Thomas said: “They get a real sense of achievement from taking part in the scheme.

“It is something that is completely off the curriculum. They are organising it themselves. Virtually every activity is different.”

Apprentices Sam Yates and Jugo Doggett have teamed up to make slurpy durpys, a delicious fruit flavoured drink which they will be selling at the Highland Games to the crowds of thirsty people that are expected at the popular annual event.

Another, Benji Hiller, has bought pens and paper and written to local businesses to ask for raffle prizes to sell at the Highland Games.

Other inventive pupils are making animal portraits, cakes, plastic beads and sewing creative designs.

As part of the scheme, students are expected to think carefully about a budget and put together a business plan ahead of the games.

Mrs Thomas added: “They cannot just go out and buy ad hoc. If they haven’t got enough with their £5 then they find a business partner. One pupil was short and he teamed up with another pupil who brought in his £5.”

All the ideas will be showcased at the school’s market day at the Church Lane school on Friday.

Pupils from the school who took part in the scheme last year raised over £1,000.

The Highland Games will be at Park Corner Farm, Sapperton from 12.30pm.