THE deputy mayor was the first to buy something in a new charity shop managed by children.

Pupils from Oak Lodge School, in Heath View, East Finchley, celebrated the opening of their charity shop, The Lodge.

It was officially opened by Alison Cornelius, the deputy mayor of Barnet, on Tuesday, February 2.

The shop, which is 300 yards away from the school for children with special needs, will be run solely by the pupils.

Annie Dobbin, school business manager, said: ‘’An Oak Lodge parent has very generously funded and arranged the entire shop re-fit and it looks absolutely stunning.

“We consider the shop to be a unique extension of our curriculum offer at Oak Lodge School providing positive and meaningful learning opportunities for our young people in a truly innovative classroom.”

Young people from Barnet and Southgate College’s Oak Bridge 19-25 centre will also work in the shop.

It will sell gifts, cards and stationary and students will be involved in buying stock, setting up displays, pricing, marketing and accounting.

It will be open on school days and during half term from 10am until 2pm.

The school is also looking for a permanent member of staff for the shop.