LOCAL businesses have flocked to help a school project that is spiralling into the event of the year.

Pupils and staff at Threshfield School have just one week to wait before the climax of a wedding project that has captured the community's imagination.

Teachers appealed to local businesses for help on the big day and have been overwhelmed by the response.

Two pupils will tie the knot next Friday at Linton Church, followed by a reception in Skipton.

Nothing has been left to chance as businesses have provided everything from flowers through to the wedding car.

The event has also turned into a superb learning opportunity. Teachers have been able to expand pupils' knowledge in enterprise initiatives - a subject scarcely seen on the curriculum.

Following a recent Enterprise Day at the school Wendy Taylor, of the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership said: "Many schools have carried out small RE projects based on a wedding theme, but Threshfield have created a really inspiring scheme of work."

Mrs Taylor has even helped to create a budget for the big day and a wedding company has now been set up with the intention of making a profit.

Infants' teacher Pam Hall said all 106 pupils at the school were taking a role in the day, from the bride and groom through to the silver service waiters.

She added: "Enterprise in any form is new to them. They have learnt how businesses need paying for their wedding services because it's their livelihood."

"It has been so popular, it brings the community into school and vice versa.

"There is so much involved in getting ready, the potential for learning is huge."

Skipton hotel and wedding venue Rendezvous is hosting the reception, which will follow the service at Linton Church.

The hotel is providing a function room and pupils acting as staff on the big day are receiving training and hints from the silver service professionals there. The hotel's master-of-ceremonies will also be on hand to help out.

Threshfield florist Wendy Hutchinson, of The Hedgerow, visited the school to show pupils how to make posies and bouquets.

The bride and groom have been chosen along with the best man and 14 bridesmaids.

The service will be slower than a traditional one as Rev Andy Critch will explain the procedure as the vows are exchanged.

Pupils will also produce a special commemorative newsletter to celebrate the event.

Chairman of governors Peter Huff said: "One of our school aims is that children remember significant moments from their life at primary school and this wedding project will certainly be remembered for many years by the whole community."