Into the Lion’s Lair with bright ideas

STUDENTS showcased their innovative ideas in the Lion’s Lair in an attempt to make Oldham a better place.

The Lion’s Lair — based on BBC show Dragons’ Den — was the culmination of National Student Volunteering Week which saw youngsters doing their bit to help the community.

They tried their hand at everything from wildlife conservation to fundraising and arts and crafts to modernising local charity shops.

At the Lion’s Lair, students pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, made up of representatives from voluntary organisations and businesses, in the hope of securing funding from the council’s Priority Investment Fund.

Their bids took place in front of a live audience at University Campus Oldham and a total of £10,000 was up for grabs.

The event was filmed by Oldham College students.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for leisure, culture, heritage and tourism services, said: “The image of students is sometimes not always positive but our local schools, colleges and university are a hot-bed of volunteer work and it is inspiring to see young people getting involved in community activities at an early stage in life.

“There has been a range of very worthwhile activities taking place this week and these kinds of opportunities are a fantastic way for students to get new skills that might be useful in employment.”