BURY College business students have helped to raise vital funds for Bury Hospice.

Students on the college’s level three Extended Diploma in Business course, were tasked by the hospice to create a business from scratch to see who could raise the highest amount of money.

Each team was given £50 by Mill Gate shopping centre to kickstart their fundraising, and then between them, the teams raised an impressive £851.

The winning team came out on top with a £200 profit, to be used as a donation, and an increased understanding of real-world business.

Over the course of the year, the college has provided the students with the tools they needed to set up the business on their own over an eight-week period.

The winners put their excellent business course knowledge into practice when they recognised the demand for sweet treats, and sold homemade chocolate truffles around the college campus.

Representatives from Bury Hospice and Mill Gate shopping centre, including Carol from Perfect Fit, expressed their gratitude and presented the winners with a trophy and other prizes in an award ceremony at the college’s Venture Centre.

Assistant curriculum manager, Jeanette Coeulle, said: "The Apprentice Challenge provided our students with an opportunity to pitch a business idea through to fruition. Some businesses were more successful than others and it provided an excellent learning opportunity for all involved. It also helped students give back to their local community with the support of Bury Hospice, The Millgate and Carol."

A student from the winning team added: "We are grateful for the opportunity to make our business idea come alive. Without the advice and input from our supportive teachers, we would not have been as successful."

All teams that took part raised a total of £851 for Bury Hospice, and students were invited to visit in the future to see exactly how their money has helped those in need.