Several business-savvy secondary school pupils have set up a market stall selling goods to raise money for charity

Five groups of Year 10 students at Epping St John’s School, on Bury Lane, will take turns trading at Epping Town Council’s weekly Monday market for five weeks.

The young entrepreneurs had to request their budget for up to £100 in a Dragons Den style pitch to a panel of teachers.

Ideas of what the students wanted to sell for Cancer Research UK have included artificial flowers, make-up, electrical items and photo frames.

Deputy headteacher, Sahbi Benzid, said: “Students have had to work out their pricing structure, produce marketing posters and establish how to show their products on the market stall.

“This is all about giving students an opportunity to learn about business by experiencing it for themselves. They are learning about setting up a business, understanding pricing and communicating with customers.

“This is the first time we have taken on a market stall for our students. The manager of the market will be mentoring our students and supporting them through the experience.

“It’s good to show that we are able to be organised a stall and be responsible."

The students say they have gained experience selling products to the public, interacting with customers and working in a team.

Epping Town Council clerk, Beverley Rumsey, said: "We are delighted to welcome students on to our market.

“We feel it will be a valuable learning experience for them and it is a pleasure to have them.”