BESPOKE decorations on mugs and vases were among the dozens of Christmas goodies on offer when entrepreneurial school pupils sold their wares.

Durham Town Hall was the venue for a trade fair featuring companies set up by teenagers studying commercial art.

About 200 youngsters involved in the Young Enterprise North-East programme took part.

Straight off the Press, run by sixth-formers at St Bede's School, Lanchester, offers to personally decorate crockery and vases.

Company secretary Martin Flannigan said: "People tell us the pattern they want and we do that. They can put the cup in the oven for half an hour so that the pattern stays.

"We have mainly been doing Christmas stuff, trees and holly, and a few businesses.''

Young Enterprise brings local businesses into schools to work with youngsters and promote entrepreneurial skills.

Barbara Walker, development manager at Young Enterprise North-East, said: "Usually this is the first opportunity outside of school for the students to interact with their customers and find out what others actually think about the products they have chosen to make.

"It's a tough time of year with lots of competition around. The students are keen to make an impact on their fellow traders and turn over as much stock as they can, experiencing the real life of business."