A GROUP of sixth formers have launched their first business venture backed by cash from fellow students.

Ten teenagers, from the Teesside Prep and High School for Girls, at Eaglescliffe, have formed a company called Personal Eyes.

They are producing T-shirts, photograph frames, candles and handmade paper to sell as part of the Young Enterprise scheme.

Other pupils at the school have become shareholders as the firm could only raise funds to buy the materials it needed by selling a stake in the firm.

Today the girls are due to market their goods for the first time at a trade fair in Durham's Market Hall, between 10am and 2.30pm

Managing director Rachel Smith said: "Young Enterprise is a national education charity which delivers hands-on business experience to young people.

"Teams taking part form a company which decides on a product or service to market and holds weekly meeting to discuss progress.

"They are assisted by an advisor from an actual company and a link teacher, but the students are responsible for the day-to-day running of the company.''

Teams from around the country compete for an award.

It is the sixth year that Teesside High School has taken part in the scheme, and has twice reached the regional finals.''