Cooking the books

CLEVER youngsters are putting Alan Sugar’s junior apprentices to shame with their entrepreneurial efforts.

More than 30 pupils at St Chad’s school in Uppermill showed they were the business by forming their own catering companies and going dog-eat-dog with the other teams.

Adopting the theme of countries from around the world, each group aimed to beat the competition in NatWest’s annual Money Sense for Schools project by catering for a 100-guest party.

Team Spain emerged triumphant after meticulously producing a business plan, working out the finances and cooking up a storm with some traditional food — adding more than a touch of spice to proceedings.

Lorraine Cattlin, from NatWest, said: “It’s been great to see the teamwork displayed.

“It’s essential that youngsters are equipped with the skills and confidence required to make decisions in adult life.”