Children learn how to make money from Valentine's Day

The project returned to Devonshire Road Primary School in Heaton for the second year after a successful first outing in 2014.

Classes were given a budget of £10 to spend on materials and challenged to create different romantically-themed Valentine's Day gifts.

The young entrepreneurs were then tasked with packaging their products and marketing them through different means including the internet and posters around the school.

Following this an intensive one hour sale took place with the pupils aiming to make as much profit as possible from their seasonal gifts.

Teacher Lesley Allanson, who masterminded the project, explained: "Last year's event was the first time we did it and it was so successful that we wanted to repeat it.

"The idea is to help make the children aware of how they can make money grow.

"The headteacher gave them the money and they made a promise that they would return that £10 investment and hopefully make a profit on top of that.

"They have had to deal with all aspects of business including costings, packaging and marketing and they have done exceptionally well.

"They have really got into the advertising side of things, using posters, our newsletter and our school blog to market their items."

In total, the sales event raised just over £850 and the profits made will be put back into the school and spent on things like school trips and treats for the children.

Among the Valentine's Day creations were smoothies, cup cakes, love potions, lovebug bookmarks and chocolates.

Seven-year-old Lola Howarth made a bouquet of flowers with a lollipop inside.

She said: "It took us about two days to make the gifts and we really enjoyed doing it.

"I don't think I will be giving this to anyone though, I am going to have it myself."

Ten-year-old Quincy Ekeleme said: "I made cones filled with different types of sweets like rainbow drops.

"I think I am going to give one to someone else, but I don't know who yet."