A GROUP of Bury Grammar girls are "empire" building at an early age.

For 20 pupils, aged 16 and 17, have set up their own company as part of a Young Enterprise competition.

They launched their company, Empire, saying they wanted to raise awareness of how fantastic a city Manchester is.

It includes staging a photography competition where ten-18 year olds are urged to take a picture of what Manchester represents to them, and the best will be used in a calendar.

Pupil Larissa Don (16) explained: "One main winner will take the front cover and the first prize of a one-on-one session with a professional photographer.

"We also have the amazing opportunity to display all 13 winning pictures in Bury Art Gallery and we are hoping to receive gallery space in the Urbis.

" We felt that our idea was not only inspiring and exciting, but it also helps children to go out and appreciate what beauty and opportunity they have surrounding them."

Deadline for entries is October 27 and more details can be found on the website www.empire-ye.com