A GROUP of Year Five pupils at a local primary school are using their entrepreneurial skills to help a vital Barnsley charity.

The 12 youngsters at Gawber Primary School are working after school, at play times and in dinner breaks as part of their Enterprise Club project to raise money for Barnsley Hospice.

The students are working in teams to create their own businesses and to learn new skills with the aim of selling their products and donating the profits.

Teaching assistant Ellie Richardson said: “The group worked from January through to April on their business ideas and, while last year the profits helped fund a school trip, the students doing it this year wanted to raise money for charity.

“They wanted to help a local charity and the hospice is just down the road from school so that’s why they chose it.

“They have really enjoyed it and have worked hard. We looked at the successes of last year and the businesses include mystery books, football-themed mystery bags and sweets and self-care packs that include hair scrunchies etc.”

In the coming weeks, the young entrepreneurs will be selling their stock in school and they’re keen to surpass last year’s total of £300.

“There has been a slight delay in selling their products and they are all really enthusiastic and eager to get selling,” said Ellie.

“It been great and I am really proud of them all.”