MULTI-MILLIONAIRE Richard Branson set out in business selling second-hand records. And the humble surroundings of a Clitheroe car park showed that a new generation of entrepreneurs are gearing up to follow in his wake.

Pupils from six Hyndburn and Ribble Valley high schools held the annual Young Enterprise Christmas fair under cover at Ribble Valley Council's car park on Saturday afternoon.

The Young Enterprise scheme involves representatives from local businesses helping 15 and 16 year olds set up their own businesses for 12 months.

They have to get their initial capital by selling shares to friends and family, and then come up with a product and business plan which will lead to profits and a shares windfall for those who supported them at the start. Saturday's event provided the teenagers with the chance to sell their wares for the first time.

The company at Norden High School, Rishton, is called Neon, which specialises in selling a range of hand-made wooden and plastic products such as bookmarks, pan rests and bird boxes.

At St Christopher's High School, Accrington, Bitz 'n' Boltz sells decorative metal sculptures.

St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, has a company called Sparx, which sells a variety of cards, stationery, jewellery and other 'sparkly' goods.

Meanwhile Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle, has a firm called In the Picture, which sells picture frames, diaries and Christmas cards, while Breeze, based at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, makes cards, CD holders and other goods.

And Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, has created Odyssey, which produces wind chimes and various mobiles.

During the year, the pupils also learn about health and safety issues, VAT and corporation tax.

Their accounts will be officially audited at the end of the year to see which company has proved the most profitable.