TWO pupils will set up their own chip shop next month.

But Rachel Nee and Neil Peckett will not be selling food - they have teamed up with the RSPCA to offer pet owners the chance to have their cats and dogs micro-chipped at knock-down prices.

The Harrogate Grammar School pupils are members of Harrogate Community Works! (HCW!), which encourages teenagers to take on projects which teach valuable life skills.

Six weeks of workshops and lectures prepare students for the Learn To Lead programme - sponsored by local businesses, schools and voluntary organisations - which awards them £500 to spend with a charity of their choice.

"We wanted to do something which would make a difference in our community so we decided to support the essential work of the RSPCA," said Rachel.

As a result, St Aelred's Hall, Woodlands Drive, Harrogate, hosts a cut-price "chip shop" between noon and 3pm on Saturday, May 4.

Anyone receiving benefits can have their cats or dogs fitted with the identity microchips for just £2. Others will be asked to contribute £12.50 towards the £20 cost.

RSPCA spokesman, Peter Bolton, said: "We are incredibly grateful to HCW! and the students of the Learn to Lead project for supporting the RSPCA and the vital animal welfare work we do.

"By having their pets micro-chipped, owners can vastly improve their chances of being reunited with their dog or cat should it ever stray."