Young people became budding entrepreneurs for a week when they took part in a soap making course as part of Hillingdon Council’s Fiesta programme.

The group of 12 young people aged 11-15 were learning how to make soap to turn a product to profit as part of a five-day summer Young Apprentice activity. The aim of the course is to show people how to turn an idea into a business.

The group produced some fruity smelling treats with the help of a tutor at the newly-opened youth centre.

Councillor David Simmonds, Deputy Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services said: "I was delighted to hear that the young people were having such a good time on the Young Apprentice course.

"This is one of many amazing activities offered through Hillingdon Council's Fiesta programme to help young people make constructive use of, but also have fun during  their summer holidays."

They began their business plans on the first day of the course and were working towards the pinnacle of the week on Friday, where they presented their ideas to each other and youth workers, as well as selling their works in the Hillingdon staff canteen.

Mason Dinrosa, 12, said: ‘”We have had more fun than we expected to as we have learnt so many new skills that are involved with running a business.”

Laura Turpin, 15, added: “It has inspired me to create my own business in the future!”

Events are taking place throughout August through the Summer Fiesta youth scheme and there are still some places on the summer action courses which offer a raft of different activities, such as sports, cooking, fashion, arts and crafts, textiles and circus skills.

To find out more about Fiesta events visit http://young.hillingdon.gov.uk/fiesta .