STUDENTS working on a young enterprise project have come up with a product for the green market - and which will also raise funds for charity.

STUDENTS working on a young enterprise project have come up with a product for the green market - and which will also raise funds for charity.

Members of Green Beans have designed and are selling hand-made wheat bags as a natural alternative to drugs for providing pain relief.

The bags - which come in a variety of sizes and designs, including the option of a lavender scent - can be used by people with arthritis, rheumatism, muscle pain, back pain, cramps, sciatica, menstrual cramps, labour pain, bruising, and headaches/migraines.

The bag is heated in the microwave for two minutes and encourages blood flow, brings extra oxygen to the muscle, relaxes muscle spasms and relieves pain.

Unlike a hot water bottle, the wheat bags mould over the contours of the body. They retain heat for an hour.

They can also be used cold from the freezer to treat sport injuries, headaches and bruises.

The team behind the project are 25 students aged 16 and 17 from Woodbridge School.

They are taking part in the Young Enterprise scheme, a Europe-wide competition to set up a business from scratch and compete against one another, providing valuable experience and insights into running a real business.

Lily Simpson, Green Beans managing director, said the bags were hand-made using local wheat and lavender as well as remnant fabrics and recycled material to minimise the carbon footprint and provide a product with a personal touch.

“Our business is not simply aimed at making a profit or ticking boxes, we also aim to contribute at least ten per cent of profit to Save the Children,” she said.

“This was a charity voted for by the company and which we felt was a very important cause. They help children around the world who are suffering or in hardship, specifically in war-stricken zones.

“We felt that if some of our work could go towards helping them then it would make this experience all the more rewarding.”

Is your school working on an interesting project - call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk