CHILDREN as young as five are setting up businesses as Bright Stars 2017 tests the entrepreneurial talent of children at Cumbrian primary schools.

Organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance, the competition introduces pupils to the excitement of running their own mini-companies, encouraging entrepreneurship and building confidence.

Every Bright Stars school is given £50 with the instruction to make it grow through investment and creativity over eights weeks.

Businesses are mentoring 30 schools to introduce pupils to leadership, team work and management, along with business basics such as accounting, manufacturing, and marketing.

Trading began on Monday and ends on March 13. Winners will be announced at an event on April 5 .

The winning schools in five categories each receive £500. Prizes are awarded not just for raising the most but for demonstrating commitment and ideas.

Kerrie Allison, business development manager at accountant David Allen, which is supporting the scheme, said: “Bright Stars is a perfect way for businesses and schools to engage with one another.

"Beyond this, Bright Stars helps to create a fresh perspective on what we do as a business and the skills we use in our day to day working.”