BARDEN High School pupils came face to face with two Olympic champions when they took part in a programme designed to attract youngsters into the world of business.

Commonwealth gold medallist Craig Heap and his fiancee Paula Thomas attended the school to support the programme designed to provide students with an insight into what is involved in setting up a business.

The "R U up 4 it?" schools programme was created by Burnley Enterprise who want to raise aspirations and encourage young entrepreneurs to consider starting their own business in the future.

Ex-Barden pupil, Craig and his partner Paula set up their own business, Olym-fit UK earlier this year with support from Burnley Enterprise and gave invaluable advice to the pupils at Barden.

The pupils received support, advice and guidance from local business people and Barden High Schools teachers.

The students had to develop their key skills by working together to produce a business plan applied to a business scenario. Each group split into finance, sales & marketing and human resource teams and elected a managing director who presented their business to the other groups.

Pictured is Debra Brown, centre, business support manager, with Craig Heap and Paula Thomas.