A SHOP run by schoolchildren is enjoying the fruits of success.
For youngsters at St John's CE Junior and Infant School in Golcar have won through to the finals of a national competition with their project.
Their fruit shop has been run by children for children at the school for 11 years.
Not only do those in the shop sell fruit to other pupils, they also adjust prices, evaluate the business and plough profits back in to buy such things as trolleys, aprons and dishes.
Head teacher Mrs Pat Cross said the children also liaised with other businesses, including Sainsbury's supermarket and a fruit shop in Golcar, where they buy their supplies.
They have also created a training manual, which they use to train other children.
Peter Kelly, of the CMS Consultancy in Huddersfield, has worked with the pupils in developing the manual so that they are now self-sufficient.
"It's absolutely wonderful that they have got this far," said Mrs Cross.
"The shop shows the ability of young children. We often underestimate what primary children can do.
"And the shop has helped children to eat more healthily. We have tremendous queues now."
Almost 800 entries were received across the UK for the Government's 2001 National Training Awards competition.
The Golcar children will learn if they are among the national winners on Tuesday, November 13, when a special event will be held at The Royal Armouries in Leeds.
The national winners will then be invited to a ceremony in London on December 11.
