Thousands of South Yorkshire pupils have been notching up the profits since the Make £5 Blossom initiative was launched recently, with enterprises set up with a loan of £150 from local businesses.

The young entrepreneurs are given experience of what it is like to set up their own business - but unlike TV's Apprentice series nobody is being fired!

Wath C of E Primary School is sponsored by steel firm Corus.

Teacher Rachel Parkin said: "The scheme has been fantastic for pupils at Wath. With our £150. We bought a digital camera and organised an event in conjunction with World Book Day. We took photographs and printed them out and made frames and bookmarks and sold them at the event. We took orders and made £170 which covered the cost of the camera and a profit which we re-invested.

"They learn skills making them more independent - skills for life which will be invaluable. Our project covered everything from basic ICT, printing and photography to sharing responsibilities, getting across the importance of advertising and sales. Just as importantly it links businesses with the school."

Sharon Wadsworth of Corus Group said: "I really enjoyed working with Wath school. My main role was just being there and helping out. Under the time restraints the children worked very well with Mrs Parkin, she encouraged and motivated them well. I feel sure that with the items bought, the children, with a little help will be able to continue with their ideas and put into practice their new skills."

Make £5 Blossom is run by Rotherham Ready, a four year project, funded by Yorkshire Forward, with the aim of creating a culture of enterprise in schools.

Catherine Brentnall, Rotherham Ready Project Officer, said: "Make £5 Blossom is a really positive experience for everyone. Pupils develop valuable enterprise skills project managing a real business venture in school and local businesses can give their experience and time and meet see the energy and enthusiasm of the young people involved."

In Rotherham more than 30 businesses have helped 2,289 pupils develop valuable enterprise skills through planning and developing their own businesses with the start up loans.

Pupils of Our Lady St Joseph, Wath who took part in the pilot of the scheme in the summer decided to make food the focus of their £5 project and created activities, attractions and products around the theme of 'Foody Friday.'

Children generated a raft of creative ideas and gave traditional games and amusements an inspiring 'food twist.' Attractions included a 'human fruit machine' and a 'yucky dip' of gifts submerged in baked beans. And food stalls included marinated olives, cakes, buns, and chocolate treats. Children manned the stalls on the day and competition between the food stalls was fierce.