Young people on a pioneering college programme are competing in a charity business challenge to become manufacturing entrepreneurs.

Students from Leeds City College have been using the Airedale Fab Lab at Keighley’s Dalton Mills.

As part of the same scheme, they are also raising money for a West Yorkshire children’s hospice.

The under-16 students, who are on the college’s 14+ Apprenticeship Academy programme, are taking part in the ‘Martin House £25 Challenge’.

They have to convert a £25 start-up fund into as much money as possible for the charity, while learning important business skills.

They have been spending time at the Airedale Fab Lab, using cutting-edge technologies and working in groups to design and create a range of gifts to sell, such as keyrings, gift boxes and Christmas decorations.

The next phase of the project will see them hone their sales skills by selling the gifts to friends and family.

Alan McKenna, head of the 14+ Apprenticeship Academy, said: “The challenge has helped provide the learners with a real insight into the world of work, and the Fab Lab has helped them understand the importance of team skills, budget considerations and project management in a business environment.”