A team of Towy Valley youngsters have been crowned the county’s hottest traders after proving their business prowess by earning more than £500 in sales.

The pupils from Ysgol Llangadog claimed the Carmarthenshire Young Traders 2014 title by selling t-shirts, home-made produce and plants over a four-hour period in Carmarthen, in a competition organised by the county council.

The Years Five and Six pupils took in £524.40 during their session – from 10am until 2pm on Wednesday – and far outstripped their rivals with Richmond Park Schhol earning £337.70 and St Mary’s RC School £228.70.

The competition saw the teams challenged to come up with a business idea, brand it and then sell their product.

County Council executive board member responsible for markets in the county, Councillor Jeff Edmunds, said: “The pupils had a fantastic experience trading in Carmarthen Market. A lot of work had gone in beforehand on deciding what they were going to sell, how they would brand their business and how to price their products to ensure they made the most profit.

“I would like to congratulate all the schools which took part and also to the teachers and parents who supported them.”

Each of the teams has been given £100 in prize money, donated by businesses in Carmarthen. The winning cup was given and engraved by Dorian Heel Bar and Engraving.

All the schools kept any profit made during the day.

As part of the competition the schools were given a tour of Carmarthen Market and were able to get the chance to ask traders for tips and advice before the big day.

The competition – which looks set to become an annual event - take place in either Ammanford or Llandeilo next year.