Banburyshire young business-people share their festive wares

Last year's Young Enterprise stall in Bridge Street, Banbury

Banbury area school pupils will be offering Banbury shoppers the opportunity to buy unique stocking fillers at the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fair on Saturday, December 7.

The year-10 and year 12-students will be looking to build their sales and marketing skills before they make the leap into further or higher education, or the world of work.

The fair is being organised by the local board of Young Enterprise, with the support of Cherwell District Council, as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme. The stalls will be run by student companies from schools including Bicester's Cooper School, Bloxham School and Tudor Hall. They will be judged on the day by a team of dignitaries and mystery shoppers.

Matthew Harper, centre lead at Tudor Hall School said: "The fair is always a great success, not only for the young people, but also for the many citizens of Banbury on the lookout for stocking fillers. For many of the young people involved, the fair is the first step on a road to a career in business."

Young Enterprise is a national charity which specialises in business and financial education. It works with schools, volunteers and influencers to build a successful future for all young people.

Adrian Mason, chair of the local Young Enterprise board, said: “We are delighted to be holding our Christmas Trade Fair again after the success of last year’s event.

“Being offered a pre-Christmas date for the event last year proved to be very successful as it gave the student companies taking part a date to have their products ready to sell to the public. We look forward to adding to the pre-Christmas spirit in Banbury with some festive fun and products for everyone.”

The stalls will be on Bridge Street near Castle Quay on Saturday, December 7 from 9am - 3pm.