THE 2005 Stock Market Challenge is so successful that schools in North Yorkshire are queuing for the privilege of taking part.

As many as 29 schools will be taking part in the event, which is sponsored by York-based Norwich Union Life at York Racecourse on Thursday, November 10 - and there are another nine on the waiting list.

This is the second year that Norwich Union Life has been involved in the stock exchange simulation competition which it organises with NYBEP, the North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership.

A whole week's activity on the Stock Exchange is squeezed into the single day as the rival teams of 15- and 16- year-olds forward-guess the state of shares each with a notional "pot" of £35,000

To help their decision making on whether to buy or sell are intermittent media bulletins describing disasters and events which may influence stock values.

Ultimate aim: To make more money than anyone at the end of the day.

Each team consists of five specialists - a finance director, a senior portfolio director, news analyst, share purchase manager and share disposal manager.

The winning team receives a real £500 prize and goes on to represent North Yorkshire schools and colleges in the national final to be held in York next June - and a chance to win £1,000.

Taking part again will be Ripon College, whose team had the biggest value portfolio last year

Kevan Baker, Norwich Union's community and education manager, said: "I'm not surprised that we are over subscribed. The word got around that last year the kids had a great time and didn't realise how much fun learning could be.

"This event is an integral part of Norwich Union's support of education in the city. It really helps pupils understand how the stock market works"

The Stock Market Challenge is one of a number of education initiatives conducted by Norwich Union Life which, with 3,400 on the payroll, is York's largest private employer.

It has 38 staff members on active independent volunteering programmes, including Right To Read for primary schoolchildren, and mentoring with schoolchildren.

The life insurance company is also actively involved in Pathfinder education initiatives in the city, encouraging financial capability in schools.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, September 30, 2005