YOUNG entrepreneurs descended on New College for the county final of a prestigious competition.

Teams from St Joseph’s College, New College, Kingsdown School and Commonweal School competed against schools from across Wiltshire in the Young Enterprise competition.

St Joseph’s team, Essence, narrowly missed out on a place in the regional final in Torquay after South Wiltshire Grammar School’s team, Aquila, were crowned the winners.

Andrew Martin, development manager for Young Enterprise Wiltshire, said: “The competition was absolutely outstanding.

“The standard of presentations particularly was very high and the trade stands and displays were excellent. I thought it was one of the best years yet.

“The Swindon schools had already gone through a series of pre-interviews – it was a Dragons’ Den-like exercise, so in a sense they were all winners anyway.”

Two judges, including Outlet Centre retail manager Peter Corr, assessed each team’s performances.

Essence, whose members have been making bath bombs won the best presentation award.

Celia Berry, 15, who is Essence’s managing director, said: “We have really enjoyed the project. I would love to carry this on and I think we will.”

Unleashed Enterprises from New College won the teamwork and communication award.

Denise Kirk, a lecturer at New College, who helped organise the event, said: “The event was exceptionally successful with lots of positive comments all around.

“Overall the two New College teams worked really hard to represent the college.

“Their presentations were professional and they demonstrated considerable confidence.

“Team work was very evident.

“New college team Unleashed Enterprises won the teamwork and communications trophy.

“This was great as it means that during this academic year Unica and Unleashed Enterprises have both won trophies because Unica won best customer service at the Nationwide Trade Show in December 2010.”

The south west final will take place on July 14 when Aquila will represent Wiltshire in a bid to get through to the national final.

Young Enterprise is always looking for volunteers to help as business advisors.

For more information visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk or phone Andrew on 0781 695 4491.