CHILDREN in Bewdley learnt business skills during an event with a tasty Italian twist.

Sixteen pupils from four primary schools made and sold stone-baked pizzas outside the town’s Guildhall, developing entrepreneurial skills in marketing, product design and costing in the process.

The 11-year-olds formed two teams, Basilico and Dope Dough, and competed against each other to generate the most profit for charity.

Mayor of Bewdley, Derek Killingworth, said: “I would like to praise these young entrepreneurs for their hard work and professionalism.

“Not only have they raised over £250 for charity but they have demonstrated how to work together, have fun and make fantastic pizza.”

Pomodoro Italian and Mediterranean Restaurant in Bewdley’s High Street supported the event by providing expert tuition to the children, including pizza throwing demonstrations by its head chef Pietro Madau.

The Stove Barn, a family business based in the Longbank Garden Centre, helped out by providing two wood-fuelled pizza ovens while Bewdley Development Trust and The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre was also a partner in the event.

Pupils met one day each half-term in the build up to the challenge and those sessions were attended by Simon Tapp, headteacher of St Anne’s CE Primary School in Bewdley, who co-ordinated the pizza day.

He said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for all four schools and students to work together to showcase team-building and involvement in their local town.”