TEENAGE entrepreneurs have launched a water cooler business in Burnley to raise money to benefit people in Africa.

Students in Thomas Whitham sixth form have committed to a social enterprise scheme aiming at providing water coolers for the Burnley Campus to contribute towards the building of a well in Zimbabwe.

The group, known as H2o, will be selling a variety of products, including badges, key rings, and reusable water bottles for the water coolers, which will be located throughout the campus.

Aleesha Begum said: “It is great being part of H2o. Not only are we learning a lot about the enterprise, but we are having lots of fun too. I have definitely gained more skills during the past few weeks, but it’s also been really enjoyable.” The entrepreneurs began by raising awareness of the problems related to drinking from an unclean water supply by organising fundraising events on campus.

One event saw teachers at the campus attempting to drink as much water as they could under a time limit, and students also hosted a talent competition to publicise the water cooler scheme launch.

The new project, funded by the youth volunteering charity V, will stock reusable water bottles for the coolers in a bid to encourage recycling among young people on the campus.

Mrs Kath Yates, senior staff member at Thomas Whitham Sixth Form, said: “We are very proud of their work in the social enterprise.

"They are raising awareness of how the littlest thing, such as reusing a water bottle, can help the environment.”

For more information on the group email: h2o@live.co.uk