STUDENTS from Middlesbrough College have opened a vintage shop to improve their knowledge of the retail sector.

Second Time Around is on campus and sells second hand clothes and accessories.

The young entrepreneurs, who are all Foundation Learning students between 16 and 22-years-old, planned the design and marketing strategy as well as deciding on fixtures including the counter and fitting rooms.

Sixteen-year-old Chloe Leyshon was one of the students who helped set up the shop.

She said: “Working on the opening of the vintage shop as part of my studies was a really great way to understand retail. It was such a fun project to be part of from start to finish and it has been lovely watching people come in.”

Claire Lloyd, lecturer at Middlesbrough College, said: “The students have done an amazing job – they should be extremely proud of themselves.

“From authentic pieces of clothing from the 1950s, 60s and 70s to costume jewellery that you would not see in the shops nowadays – vintage is big business and the students believed there was a market for it in the college.

“The students have received an incredible amount of support for this venture, including lots of donations, and we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved."

The shop was opened by Laura Hill, co-owner of Elizabeth George Bridal shop, in Linthorpe.

Miss Hill said: “I admire anyone venturing into the retail sector. I know how tough it can be so I wish them every success.”

Any profit will be split between Foundation Learning projects and two charities, Zoe’s Place and Cancer Research.