Young Enterprise Xmas Market, at Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon, (l-r) Martyn Frankham and Jamie Brown from Ely College, wih their bags

BUDDING entrepreneurs from Ely sold their own products and inventions to Christmas shoppers as part of a Young Enterprise Scheme.

About 15 companies created by the youngsters set up stalls at the Commemoration Hall, Huntingdon, on Saturday (December 15) to try their new ideas out on members of the public.

They included candles created by Andy Hall and Brandon Cole, from Kimbolton School, and shopping bags created by Martyn Frankham and Jamie Brown, from Ely College.

The scheme encourages young people to set up their own businesses while still at school, so they can learn first-hand how companies work.

“This event has become quite an annual feature in the run-up to Christmas in Huntingdon, which generates a lot of fun for both participants and visitors and offers the chance to warm up with a cup of tea,” said Chris Newsome, chairman of the Young Enterprise Task Group.

“However there is a serious side too. Those of us behind Young Enterprise are keen to help pupils learn about the business world in this way.

“Every year the competition gets more exciting and this year’s companies and schools have been more determined than ever.

“Having your brand new products or services scrutinised by a group of bargain-hunting Christmas shoppers would be enough to challenge even seasoned business people.

“In our experience, these youngsters quickly get into selling mode and stand up brilliantly to the challenge.”