PUPILS from a Bolton secondary school “are in business” after claiming first place in a regional enterprise competition.

Youngsters from Ladybridge High School took part in the Mosaic Enterprise Challenge at accountants KPMG’s new Manchester officers and were asked to present a business idea to a panel of industry experts.

The Bolton school battled it out against four other establishments from the North West and its “Team Bake inc”group were awarded top spot for pitching an idea for a baking business to operate in a school community which could help catering students to gain practical skills.

The budding business students had already beaten off 874 North West secondary school pupils from 26 schools before the final four were shortlisted and after winning in Manchester they will be entered into the grand final in London on April 23.

Speaking about the win, team member and Ladybridge High pupil Khadija Toppa said: “The whole day was pretty nerve wracking and we really can’t believe we’re through to the finals, it’s so exciting.

“We’ve worked pretty hard with our mentor and think we’ve come up with a great idea so I think we’ve got a good chance.”

The yearly competition is open to all secondary school children throughout Britain who can compete for the top prize of £2500 for their school.

During the competition pupils work closely with an allocated mentor to come up with a winning business concept which is then pitched to the panel.

The Ladybridge team worked with mentor Maqsood Khan, of the Crown prosecution Service to come up with their business concept.

He said: “I am overwhelmed by the journey that these young people have been on.

“From the first mentoring session where we met shy students, lacking in confidence to the impressive, self-assured business pitches they have made today makes me believe in the impact of mentoring and the difference we can make”

They were presented with their certificates on the day by Harry Potter actress Afshan Azad.

The Mosaic Enterprise Challenge, supported by the Apax Foundation and Nectar Trust as well as support from Department of Communities and Local Government, is a fully-funded programme that helps young people between the ages of 11 and 16, improve their business acumen, confidence and self-belief.