It’s hardly a shining example of young enterprise, granted. But one Liverpool pupil was recently suspended by his school for dealing in that noxious commodity ... crisps.

As far as young offenders go, he’s hardly going to worry the courts with his actions, but that didn’t stop staff at Cardinal Heenan High School sending 12-year-old Joel Bradley home for the day, after he was caught selling a packet of Discos to classmates for 50p.

The youngster’s venture was a roaring success, earning him up to #163;15 a day. This, presumably, was due to the fact that the school had banned fatty drinks and snacks.

Joel’s father, Joe, said that his son was being “victimised” for the enterprise.

Headteacher Dave Forshaw countered: “If parents are not happy then they are perfectly free to take their children to a school that allows pupils to sell these snacks.”