PUPILS from schools across the south and east of Derbyshire will be heading to Westfield Shopping Centre to sell their products and services at a trade fair.

The Young Enterprise event will give pupils a chance to display the items they have been making and developing since last September as part of a national competition.

Thirteen teams, with pupils aged 14 to 19, will be in the Derby centre on Wednesday, February 22, to showcase their goods.

Julie Jones, chairman of the Young Enterprise's South and East Derbyshire area board, said: "The scheme is designed to give youngsters an insight into business and to inspire them to learn by doing.

"All participants are expected to operate in a professional manner – just as they would in the workplace.

"They have been encouraged to be innovative and creative in the ways they market their products to Derby's shoppers."

Students will be displaying a range of products including gardening packs, clothes, chocolates and jewellery.

Two awards will be up for grabs on the day as Westfield managers will be visiting each of the stalls to judge the best trade stand.

The other award is the best product or service, which will be judged by a panel including Dean Mann, of Scargill and Mann estate agents, and Kelly Boorman, of Smith Cooper accountants.

Mr Mann said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for these youngsters to get some valuable hands-on experience in business and retail.

"As judges, we are really excited about visiting each stall and finding more out more about them."

The pupils will be trading at the Westfield shopping centre from 9am to 6pm.

The teams will be taking part in an area final in the spring and the winner will take part in the county final, which will determine the regional finalist.