Teenagers are putting their entrepreneurial skills to test and finding out what it is like to set up and run a business.

More than 60 young apprentices from schools and colleges in the district are taking part in the seventh Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge to raise money for charity.

The teams of Year 12 students have joined forces with a business mentor and have been matched with a charity or community group, with the task of turning £100 into £1,000 or more.

The Centre for Voluntary Service in St Albans has delivered the challenge since 2008 and in total more than £289,000 has been raised for 155 Hertfordshire-based charities and community groups.

The St Albans launch, held at St Albans Girls’ school on Thursday, was attended by the Mayor of St Albans Cllr Salih Gaygusuz and Cllr Brian Ellis, the Town Mayor of Harpenden.

Cllr Gaygusuz said: “The Dragons’ Apprentice Challenge provides inspiring opportunities for young people to learn and practice the skills that businesses seek.

"Equally importantly, it supports and raises awareness of many charities and community groups. I hope the students have an extremely rewarding time as they work with their mentors and develop their business skills.

"I wish them every success, and a lot of fun, as they turn ideas into fundraising reality.”

This year budding entrepreneurs from Loreto, Oaklands, Samuel Ryder, Sir John Lawes, St Albans Girls’ and St Columba’s are taking part.

The charities to benefit will be St Albans and District Talking Newspaper, Carers in Hertfordshire, the National Childbirth Trust St Albans and District and St Albans and Harpenden Volunteer Police Cadets, The Abbeyfield Society, Verulam Community Radio and Volunteer Centre St Albans.

The teams are supported by mentors from businesses including Debenhams Ottaway, EK Procure, Grant Thornton, Hertfordshire Business Independent, Luxottica, Maths the Wacky Way, Mercer and Hole, Quality Solicitors Bretherton Law, Rotary Priory and Stainless Wire Ltd.

Over the coming months the teams will be devising their business projects and events that will not only raise money for their charity but also raise awareness.

The final fundraising activity will end in mid January 2016, and teams will start working on their business plans and reports, which will be submitted for judging.

There will be an official awards evening in March 2016.