TEENAGERS are learning to improve their business skills by running a book shop in Burford School.

Five students have been ordering in books, organising events and managing the store, which opened in the school’s library yesterday.

Its 14-year-old managing director Alex Beatty, from Carterton, said: “We have learnt a lot about starting a business and the whole logistical and administrative process.

“The business experience is going to be helpful when we leave school and go into the real world, and hopefully the shop will help get more people reading.”

The store is the brainchild of Richard Kemp, who runs MadHatter Bookshop in Burford. He said: “The idea is that we are giving them entrepreneurial skills, so they understand what it takes to run a business.”

Profits from the new store will firstly cover Mr Kemp’s costs but then go to the teenagers.