ROMANCE was in the air as these enterprising school pupils sold flowers to show off their business know-how.

"Mini companies" from 14 North Yorkshire schools were displaying their wares at York's McArthurGlen Designer Outlet as part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

More than 100 pupils were taking part in a gift fair where they competed for customers and demonstrated their business skills, promoting products they have developed as part of the Young Enterprise scheme.

Claire Mackintosh, 17, was at the outlet with Green Fingers - an Easingwold School company which offers a range of gardening products including decorative plants.

Claire, from Easingwold, said the day had gone "really, really well", with half of the company's stock of roses sold to customers no doubt eager to mark this week's Valentine's Day.

"It was quite slow to begin with, but when more shoppers came in it was really, really busy," she said.

Other products at the fair included jewellery, home made cushions and greetings cards.

Updated: 15:34 Wednesday, February 15, 2006