WANNABE young Alan Sugars can learn business skills this summer – thanks to a Swindon-based business whizz.

Old Town management consultant Sadie Harries, 35, will run two week-long courses over the summer holidays aimed at teens aged 14-19.

The courses will see business-savvy youngsters take on various real-world challenges – including helping a South Wales baker develop a business plan for his longed-for Swindon bakery.

Sadie, who has been self-employed since her early 20s, hopes that the courses will help prepare young people with the skills to set up their own businesses.

She said of the free week-long courses: “They will benefit all young people, but particularly those who have an idea and who would like a bit more control over their future career.”

On Saturday, Sadie held a fundraising family fun-day at the Savernake Street Community Centre in Old Town.

She hoped to raise £500 from the day, which saw face painting, stalls selling cakes and other treats – as well as an appearance from Spiderman.

Mum Lucy Butcher, 34, from Old Town, said of the fun day: “It’s just really nice to bring the kids somewhere that’s just around the corner.”

The money raised from the day will help fund the set-up costs for the apprentice-style scheme, which Sadie has christened the Platform Project.

She said: “For me, the Platform Project is about giving young people employability skills for them to be able to create their own path in life.”

There are still spaces on the two week-long courses, which will run in the first and last weeks of August. To find out more, visit: www.platformproject.co.uk.