THREE enterprising students from Alexandria are trying to make as much money for charity as possible with £1 – in just 30 days.

Twelve-year-old pupils Dhrishti Bhardwaj, Alistair Galloway, and Sahil Mangat, started by investing their capital into materials to make friendship bracelets which they are selling to their friends for £1 each.

The initial return is then reinvested into a stall at the Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Market this weekend, when they will be selling a variety of handmade festive gifts and cards, sweets, decorations and upcycled home decor items.

Alistair's mum Fiona told the Reporter: "It has challenged them to think outside the box and I have been impressed with how they have thought to do something a bit different.

"The school does it every year and it encourages some healthy competition.

"It is good for when they leave school as well because it encourages them to think up money making ideas. It is so nice to see their enthusiasm and see their personalities come to out."

The four-week Micro Tyco Challenge asks teams – often from schools or universities – to grow £1 "seed capital" with all the money made invested by WildHearts in micro-loans for poor entrepreneurs in the developing world.

The local youngsters, who are in their first year at Balfron High School and previously attended Christie Park and Gartocharn primaries, are said to be enjoying the challenge so far.

As well as receiving donations from residents and shop oweners, the operators of the Shores market, Stall Hire Scotland, have donated a majority portion of the stall hire fees in order to help the children keep their coasts down.

The trio are taking part in the Micro Tyco Challenge where they try to grow £1 "seed capital" with All the money made invested by WildHearts in micro-loans for poor entrepreneurs in the developing world.