SCHOOL CHILDREN swapped a day of study for a day of selling when they opened their own market stall.

Youngsters from Sacred Heart Primary School in Westhoughton have worked for months to design, develop and create their products.

And now they have had the chance to sell them.

The scheme saw pupils work with Virgin Money with each child beuing given £5 to invest in, and set up, a business.

In January, youngsters formed groups to decide on their products and to come up with a business plan, which included them making a profit.

They even had their own business advisor, Clare Grahovac, from Virgin Money.

Then, 44 youngsters set up shop in Bolton Market, selling products, including T-shirt printing, painted canvasses, sandwiches and drinks, candyfloss and handmade friendship bracelets.

Ms Grahovac said: “The children were walking around the market, watching how the other traders worked and bringing customers to their own stalls.

They were so confident.”

All the profit the young entrepreneurs made will be ploughed back into equipment and facilities for their school.

Bolton Council’s executive member for Environmental Services, Councillor Akhtar Zamam, said; “We’re always delighted to support schemes like this, which encourage young entrepreneurs.

“What better place for them to come than our thriving market, which is where a number of successful entrepreneurs have started their careers. The young traders have now worked in a trading environment and I hope they enjoyed the experience.”

A party will be held for the youngsters on April 26, with a prize being handed out for the most profitable group.

But what did the business brains of the future think?

Olivia Blezard, aged nine, said: “It’s like English and Maths all in one — but in a fun way.”

Ethan Chase, aged 10, added: “It’s been fun, I have really enjoyed it and I have learnt a lot