YOUNGSTERS from five Rossendale schools are to test their entrepreneurial skills in a contest to raise money for charity.

The Youth Enterprise Challenge will see teams from Alder Grange, All Saints, Fearns, Haslingden High and Whitworth High come up with enterprising initiatives, with all the proceeds going to Rossendale Hospice.

The Year 10 school teams will link up with a mentor from a local business, who have each kick-started their project with a £50 donation.

The ultimate aim for each team will be to use the investment to generate as much income as they can while there are also other prizes for presentation skills, innovation and community involvement.

Businesses mentoring the schools include solicitors Mulderrigs, accountants Cassons, estate agents Farrow and Farrow, Rossendale Leisure Trust and marketing agency D and M Creative.

The challenge is organised jointly by Rossendale Hospice, the Hospice’s Corporate Ambassadors Group and Alder Grange School where the launch event was held.

Clare Richards, fundraising manager at Rossendale Hospice said since the challenge started two years ago, it has raised more than £14,000 for the Hospice.

“The Youth Enterprise Challenge also represents a fantastic opportunity for the young people taking part. They’ll work together in a team to organise their enterprising ideas, gain practical advice from their mentors and learn new skills including; budgeting, time management, report writing, public speaking, all relevant to their future careers.