ENTERPRISING students have reaped rewards for charity and their school.

Three pupils at Shildon's Sunnydale School set up a business called Shildon Steamers after taking part in the Business Incentive Scheme, a national competition run by the children's charity Barnardo's and Friends Provident.

The scheme aims to give students business experience and raise money for the charity.

Chris Stokoe, Gavin Scarlett and Paul Smith raised about £1,200 with a series of fund-raising events organised in their own time.

The competition allowed schools to keep a quarter of the proceeds if participants raised more than £1,000.

So at the Sunnydale's Certificates of Achievement presentation ceremony for Year 11 students, the three pupils turned the tables on headteacher Peter Rogerson and presented him with a cheque for £315.

The Steamers raised money through initiatives including raffles and bag packing at the local Co-op store.

Their efforts, which earned them a commendation in the competition, were boosted by the proceeds of a non-uniform day at the school.

Head of business studies Jeanette Overy said: "They did wonderfully well to raise such a large amount of money in a relatively short space of time.

"I was amazed by their initiative and the response from the community was very encouraging."