IMAGINATIVE teenagers were challenged to run their own businesses.

Like the Apprentice TV show, they were split into two teams and sent off to Widnes and Runcorn markets to test their entrepreneurial skills.

Cheryl Darnell, lead project worker enterprise and employability at Catch 22, said: “Over 20 people took part in the project and were encouraged to think about the design of the product, pricing, profit margin and their selling techniques. ”

Shopper Colette Bennett said: “The young people really livened up the market place and reminded me of the traditional market setting, shouting and interacting with customers.

“They were all polite, friendly and well behaved.”

Teenagers created their own designs for canvas shopping bags.Each team had 100 bags.

They raised more than £500 and decided to invest this money into a similar project over Christmas.

Runcorn youngsters donated some of their profit to the British Legion poppy appeal and Help for Heroes.

Butcher Clive Middlehurst gave the teams practical support and provided free lunches.