TWO entrepreneurial youngsters from Rishton have shown their business nous by setting up their own company.

Norden High School students and budding businessmen Matthew McCall, 15, and Thomas Barton, 12, launched their own sound and lighting company after months of saving up their pocket money.

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They spent more than £3,000 on equipment for their company, TSM Sound and Lighting, and have thrown all their energy and passion into their bid to make it a success.

The hi-tech collection of kit includes giant speakers, monitors, smoke machines and mixers and allows them to host events across East Lancashire.

The company name is made up of Matthew and Thomas’ initials, as well as Thomas’ dad, Simon, who died four years ago from cancer.

Thomas said: “He is my inspiration. I want to be a sound and lighting technician when I’m older, probably at the same place at Matt.”

Matthew, who is in Year 11, is hoping to study technical lighting and sound and Preston College after he leaves Norden next summer. He has been working the sound and lighting at all the school events and productions for several years, and he will hand over that responsibility to Thomas when he leaves, although he said he will be regularly going back into the school whenever they are holding events.

Last year, he devoted most of his weekend to preparing for a Fusiliers concert held at the school, and will go on to host charity gigs.

The pair have also provided lighting and sound for student events held at The Arcade Bar, in Warner Street, Accrington.

Matthew said: “We have an event coming up this month and are offering our services free of charge. “It is a two-day dance event and the purpose is to raise funds for the dance centre at the methodist church in Great Harwood.”

Salford teenager Tommie Rose, 15, made headlines last month after he made £14,000 selling sweets in the playground to pay for university.

But Michael said his business venture was not nearly as controversial.

Prior to setting up their business, the duo had to research the types of insurance they need and are constantly researching training opportunities that are available in order to increase their skills.

Michael Massey, Matthew’s drama teacher, said: “Matthew has taken on the responsibility for maintaining all the sound and lighting equipment since he was in Year Seven. “He also trains up the younger students, and he is a real asset to the school, in particular the drama department. “When Matthew takes his drama GCSE next summer, he will be assessed on his stage lighting skill, which is quite unusual as most drama students are assessed on their acting skills.’