WANNABE Bransons as young as five have been learning about the fun world of business.

Youngsters from Molehill Copse Primary School, Maidstone, have successfully completed the Young Enterprise Primary Programme.

Guided by Nick Sherlock, a performance manager with Kent County Council, the pupils took part in a range of activities covering business and financial matters.

The scheme was piloted in Kent three years ago and has since been extended nationwide.

Molehill Copse is one of more than 30 schools on the programme in Kent and Medway. It is gradually being rolled out for each primary year.

"It's skills development and the beginning of understanding of the world of work," said YE programme co-ordinator John Matthews. "It's very much an activity programme and it's meant to be fun."

He called on business people to become mentors. "We provide all the materials. They've just got to adapt them to the particular group they have and that's where their teacher comes in."

Molehill Copse head teacher Pam Payne said she was delighted with the amazing enthusiasm shown by business people when they came into school to work with the children.

"This brings a fresh approach to life in the classroom and provides a wider range of experiences for everyone involved," she said.

"The classes really look forward to working with their special visitors. The children learn so much by listening to the ideas of people from different workplaces. This helps them to understand their own lives from a different viewpoint.

"It is the second year we have been taking part and we hope to continue into the future."