Kind-hearted pupils at a school near Sudbury turned an entrepreneurial initiative into an act of generosity, after collecting profits in solidarity with their classmate.

The Year 6 class at Pot Kiln Primary School, in Great Cornard, raised around £600, quadrupling their initial investment of £150 through a special business exercise.

Using a gift of £5 each, provided by the school, the children set up their own start-ups to learn about key business skills.

Their ideas ranged from selling homemade cakes, ice lollies, pick-and-mix and handmade bracelets, to scooter and bike cleaning, a penalty shootout contest and a mystery box.

The initiative was organised by Year 6 teacher Tom Williams and supported by classroom assistant Rachel Wade.

Mr Williams explained he wanted to teach pupils concepts that are not usually covered in the national curriculum.

While their initial goal was to raise funds for their end-of-year leavers’ party, the youngsters were inspired to donate to charity after their classmate, Bradley, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

As a result, the class voted to contribute the majority of their profits from the businesses to Diabetes UK.

Mr Williams said: “I ran this business initiative at my previous school in Bury St Edmunds so I put the idea to the school and it was happy to grant each child £5.

“From that, they had to make as much money as possible. In total, there were nine businesses and, all in all, they raised around £600 in two afternoons, which is incredible.

“All of the children and their parents loved it, so it has gone down really well. It has taught them a lot about business skills and working together.

“I think it’s very important to learn about these things, especially the idea of actually having a go. If you use your initiative, you don’t need to have a lot of money to be successful.

“They have thoroughly enjoyed it and a lot of them were gutted it didn’t keep going. I’m very proud of them.

“It was quite a noble thing for them to want to donate to Diabetes UK. It shows the respect and fondness they have for each other.

“The pupils have been together since nursery, so they all get on and look out for each other. The fact they wanted to donate money shows how thoughtful and caring they are.”