A group of pupils from Parkview School at Barrow took part in a competition in 1992 and 1993 designed to encourage youngsters to get a feel for the world of business.

The school was one of five which took part in a local section of the national Youth Enterprise project, which had been running in the Furness area for five years.

The 15-19-year-olds from Parkview School called their company Parkzoo.

Its products were baked dough dolls and decorations, framed photographs and hair scrunchies.

Each school taking part received a loan of £40 from the National Westminster Bank and a start-up business pack from Young Enterprise.

They could also sell up to £200 of shares but, as the start-up pack reminded them, any profits had to be shared with those investors at the end of the financial year.

Parkzoo raised £84 in investment from shareholders.

The company received additional help from VSEL and Furness Training Workshop.

Its board members were: Managing Director Sallie Hughes; Finance Director Lee Meadowcroft; Sales Director Susanne Drew; Company Secretary Stephanie Head; Production Director Joanne Earle; Marketing Director David McNally; Research and Development Director Victoria Wright; and Personnel Director Charlotte Ward.

Companies had to pay VAT and corporation tax, which went into the Young Enterprise area board’s coffers.

At the end of the project Parkzoo made a profit of £74, which was used to repay shareholders, pay salaries and for a donation to Parkview School.

Other local schools taking part were Thorncliffe School, whose Concept company made friendship bracelets and ran a tuck shop; Walney School, whose Bow-Jangles company sold leather wristbands; Dowdales School's Brambles, which sold potted cacti, pot pourri and tartan teddies; and Ulverston Victoria High School's Cod Piece Publications, which created a rag magazine.

A special event to judge the companies' success was held at Forum 28 in Barrow, when Brambles from Dowdales School came out on top.