PUPILS have been tapping into their inner entrepreneurs as part of a school business event.

St Andrew’s Primary School, in Halstead, hosted a ‘marketplace’ event where pupils were challenged to entice potential customers.

Each of the seven classes had been given a start-up fund to raise as much money as they could.

Pupils made goods and designed services to offer to the school community.

The project gave the children a chance to use and learn a number of skills, as well as giving them an insight into elements of the commercial world.

Teachers even wove in maths and English as part of the event.

Children were involved in the development of an idea, making a prototype, costing items, including the pricing and profit margins, and then thinking up an advertising campaign.

Year Six won the competition, raising £180 by selling homemade cakes and tea at their own afternoon tea restaurant, complete with waiter service.

Overall the children raised more than £800, but are yet to decide what to spend the money on.