A team of Painting and Decorating students put the finer skills of their trade to good use, developing their own small enterprise.

Students from Stockton Riverside College set up their own shabby chic business in an effort to pick up skills to help in their future careers.

“It has been great as it helps get you ready for self-employment,” said student Chris Buckle, 18, of Norton.

Taking donated pieces of old and unloved furniture the team used skills learnt in the workshop to give the pieces a new lease of life before selling them on.

“The trade is not just about painting and decorating,” said 18-year-old Daniel Fawcett, also of Norton. “It is about design as well.”

Mellissia Lambert, 18, from Stockton, said: “For us it’s been really good experience and offered the chance to put our skills to good use.”

The shabby chic project was part of a Stockton Riverside College initiative aimed at creating a culture of enterprise.

“Our aim is to help the students develop additional skills to help them in their future careers,” said Assistant Principal Jason Faulkner.