STUDENTS from a Derby special school set up and ran their own businesses as part of an enterprise week.

Pupils at St Clares School, Rough Heanor Road, Mickleover, had to present a business plan to the school's head teacher, and convince her to invest £30 to pay for materials for their venture.

Students then went on to develop their products, which will be revealed and available for sale at the school's autumn fair.

Deputy head teacher Gary Johnson said: "The financial, business and creative skills the students learned during this process were invaluable."

The enterprise week gave all students from Years 7 to 11 (aged 11 to 16) the chance to work with volunteers from a range of local businesses, including Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council and the University of Derby.

Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEPB) helped to recruit the employers to support the week.

Claire Knee, education business adviser for the DEBP, said: "This is an excellent way for students and employers to benefit from education business links."

The students will sell their products at the school fair – which is open to the public – today from 2.30pm.