BUSINESS was booming at a York school after Christmas decorations and sweets for Bonfire Night helped sixth-formers scoop a top award.

A team of 12 students at Bootham School won the Barnardo's Business Incentive Scheme for the northern region. The group set up a company to raise as much money as possible in six months.

The students raised just over £1,000 for Barnardo's with a campaign of events including a sponsored head shave, setting up a production line to manufacture Christmas decorations and selling confectionery for Bonfire Night.

Sue Barlow, head of business studies at Bootham, said: "The team has organised itself in a thoroughly businesslike manner and, at the same time, has made sure that each member had a chance to learn what it's like to be in charge.

"This is an excellent result both in terms of the money raised for Barnardo's and for the practical business lessons learnt."

The winning 12 were Samantha Craven, Jenna Garner, Charlotte Hall, Cecily Lai, Sarah Machine, Lynsey Mackay, Eleanor Morris, Alex Murray, Frances Nelson, Andrew Sweeting, Catriona Wright and Angie Newton.

Updated: 09:42 Saturday, June 14, 2003