The pouring rain didn't stop dozens of people attending the
opening of a town centre shop run by students.

Isle of Sheppey Academy pupils launched their Pay it Forward
"business" in High Street, Sheerness, on Monday.

It is believed to be a national first for children to run a high
street store.

The premises are being shared with the Big
Fish Arts Trust, which will use it in the evenings and at
weekends.

During the week, the students will be using the building to run
Pay it Forward, which is a favours scheme aimed at encouraging the
community to help each other out.

At the launch of the project, which has been part-funded by
Swale council, the visitors were introduced to the scheme by Alan
Klee and David Rahman, executive heads of the academy's west and
east sites.

The Mayor of Swale Cllr Steve Worrall and MP Gordon Henderson
spoke and praised the people behind the project.

Within the academy, some pupils have launched their own
businesses, such as card-making and footballs, and some of these
are on display in the shop.

They are for sale in newsagent BA Fitch to raise money for
charity.

There are also computers where the students will teach people
how to use them and give lessons on the internet and email.

Hair and beauty students have also set up inside the shop to
promote Sheppey beauty salons and do manicures and pedicures.

All the services on offer are free, with the idea that once
someone has received a favour, they will pay it forward and do a
good turn for someone else.

The students have also launched an online directory of Sheppey
businesses which they hope everyone will sign up to.

People can log on themselves, or pop into the shop for help.

The academy's Caron Kerr, who is behind the project, said: "The
amount of people that have come in already has been astounding.

"I think everybody who has been involved has done a brilliant
job and I'm very pleased.

"It's a dream I've had for a while and to do it in the high
street is brilliant.

"The learning experience the students will get will be
invaluable."

To register your business on the directory, visit the website by clicking here.

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Lenny Tait, 13, a pupil at the academy's east site, will be
teaching the public how to use computers.

He said: "I think it's a good idea because it's good to help
others."

Lucy Checksfield, 14, is doing a level two diploma in women's
hair services at the west site.

She is taking part because she wants to give something back to
the community.

She said: "I think it's important because it brings people
together."

Debbie King, hairdressing tutor at the west site, said she is
supporting the project because she thinks it gets students into the
community and meeting the public and gives them a better
understanding of the industry.

Big Fish Arts Trust has got a display in the shop.

Trust leader Chris Reed said they will be using the shop before

the Christmas Lantern Parade on December 11 to run their lantern

making workshops.

After this, the shop will be used to promote the group and
explain to visitors what they do.

To find out more about the workshops, phone Chris on 07775 712306 or email chrisonsheppey@aol.com