PUPILS from an Ipswich school came face to face with a team of “dragons” which put their business brains to the test.

PUPILS from an Ipswich school came face to face with a team of “dragons” which put their business brains to the test.

The ten and eleven year olds from Ranelagh Primary School were taking part in a project in the style of the popular BBC TV programme Dragon's Den.

Armed with �25 to spend, each team had to come up with a scheme to make a return on their investment.

Ideas for healthy drinks, bookmarks, cards and even making cakes and biscuits were all put forward.

The team of “dragons” - whose job it was to asses the pupils business ideas - was made up of deputy head Daniel Jones, school admin assistant, Val Haugh and Lizzie Love-Mott, manager of soft furnishings, gifts and lighting at Glasswells showroom - which opened next to the school in December.

The youngsters were judged on originality, presentation, awareness of competition and money making potential.

There was no overall winner but each team were given money as a prize.

Mr Jones said the day went very well and the children enjoyed themselves.

“The children spent a lot of time preparing their presentations and were overwhelmed, relieved and really pleased with themselves at the end,” he said. “The school is really pleased as we believe it teaches valuable life skills to the children at a young age.”