SCHOOLCHILDREN across north Essex are being inspired to fundraise in an The Apprentice style challenge.

St Helena Hospice is giving groups of students £10 to then make as much profit for the charity as possible.

Schoolchildren can compete to fundraise as much as possible over two months.

Ten pound notes were donated by Colchester based Birkett Long Solicitors.

The money raised will be used in continuing to provide terminal care services to north Essex.

St Helena Hospice, based in Colchester, Essex, supports those with terminal illnesses.

Helena Hospice spokesman Charlotte Steele said: "A team raising £150 could pay for a bereavement session, giving a supportive, listening ear to someone whose loved on has died.

"The challenge is a great opportunity to encourage team work, planning and organisation alongside hands on experience of what it’s like in the working environment."

Schools can register as many teams as they would like with each group of students being given £10.

A group of students from Honeywood Community Science School in Coggeshall raised over £600 in the challenge last year.

For more information on the challenge contact Charlotte Steele on 01206 931468.