SOME of North Cornwall’s budding entrepreneurs have shown their business prowess after being crowned winners of a local competition.

The young entrepreneurs from Marhamchurch C of E Academy have been crowned winners of the Rotary Club of Bude Enterprise Challenge.

Working with staff member Sharon Herzog, the Year 6 pupils were tasked with designing and creating festive items on a minimal budget before selling them to the public. Their handmade Christmas decorations were stocked in a local village shop, where the team’s creativity and business planning helped them achieve the highest profit in the competition.

The challenge, organised by the Rotary Club of Bude, encourages young people to develop business skills, teamwork and creativity through an “Apprentice-style” project. Entries are often judged by local experts from the community.

Thanks to their success, the pupils won prize money to share between the school and their chosen charity, Born to be Wild, a Bude-based wildlife rescue. The charity is a favourite among the children at Marhamchurch due to its work caring for local wildlife and the environment.

The project gave pupils the chance to experience the full process of running a small enterprise, from designing and making products to budgeting, marketing and selling to customers.

Deirdre Petersen, headteacher at Marhamchurch C of E Academy, said: “We’re very proud of the team. They showed fantastic creativity and teamwork throughout the project, and it’s wonderful to see their hard work recognised. The fact they also chose to support a local wildlife charity makes the achievement even more special.”

Tracey Cleverly, CEO of Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Opportunities like this help pupils develop important skills and confidence. We are delighted to see their hard work recognised and proud that they chose to support an important local charity.”