PUPILS at Skerton High School don't just read about business - they've taken the plunge and set up their own company.

And their fledgling enterprise "Magical Memories" has become an incredible success, attracting 70 elderly folk from Bradford to try a week's holiday in sunny Morecambe.

With the theme of back to the forties ,the visitors have been treated to sing-a-longs, special war time quizzes, candlelit dinners, excursions , jazz nights and even mock air raids.

And the holidaymakers have had such a good time, Magical Memories is already taking bookings for next year.

The pupils have done everything - from putting adverts in newspapers, making promotional material, completing booking forms and acting as travel reps for the pensioners.

Teacher Andy Davidson said: "As far as I know this is unique in education and the children really are learning by doing rather than just reading the theory in books. It's been an incredible success and has attracted national publicity. Not only are our pupils getting invaluable experience of the tourism industry they are also bringing visitors to the resort. They have done all the work themselves and deserve all the credit."

On Monday the pensioners were treated to a civic reception on arrival at the Headway Hotel with the Mayors of Bradford and Morecambe.

The Headway's general manager, Nigel Walker, said he was delighted with how the week had gone.

"The guests have had a super time and the pupils have been fantastic. Some of the pensioners came to Morecambe when they were younger or spent their honeymoon here and they have many fond memories of the resort. I'd like to thank Andy Davidson and the pupils at Skerton for their great idea. We've already had people signing up to come back next year."

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