BUDDING entrepreneurs got a taste of life on the shop floor as they sold produce at a fair in Basingstoke town centre.

Pupils from schools in Hampshire set up their own businesses with support from charity Young Enterprise, and were given an opportunity to sell their finished products to the public in The Malls.

A total of 21 teams from schools and colleges in Basingstoke and north Hampshire took part in the event, which has become a popular feature of the run-up to Christmas.

Councillor Dan Putty, Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, attended the fair and awarded cash prizes to the top three teams in each category.

In the borough section, Team Pandemonium, from The Costello School, in Crossborough Hill, won the Best Trade Stall award. Second place went to Brighton Hill Community School, in Brighton Way, Brighton Hill, and The Clere School, in Earlstone Common, Burghclere, came third.

Lis Hall, teacher for the Young Enterprise scheme at The Costello School, told The Gazette: “I am extremely proud. The team worked really hard and all the products have been hand-made.

“They have worked in their own time and have all learned about teamwork.”

Cllr Putty said: “The young people of this borough, and those visiting us, are making our bor ough so proud.

“These pupils are going to be the top young entrepreneurs from the next generation, who will build the borough into what we are looking for, and offer employment in the long run.”

Some of the products on offer included tie-dye T-shirts, phone stands and cases, candles, watches and home decorations.

Ian Robertson, chairman of Young Enterprise North and North East Hampshire, said: “We are delighted to have had 21 local companies here.

“The team at The Malls have been very supportive and have also given some of the prize money.

“We do these events to see the changes at the end of the year in the pupils’ confidence and skill levels.

“The feedback is that they are more confident and have learned so much about teamwork and business.”