YOUNG business tycoons have scooped a dream trip abroad - and they are still at school.

The financial whizz kids from Westhoughton High School won a trip to Malta after their high-flying company scored top marks in a competition.

The fifth-form business barons set up a card and gift packaging company with help from the Young Enterprise Scheme.

To win the prize, they had to put a business plan forward for industry experts to judge.

The pupils will now get the chance to sell their goods at a European trade fair alongside school kids from across Europe.

The judges particularly liked a new product the company is developing for old or disabled people.

It will enable the elderly to empty their washing up bowl without having to tip it up.

The youngsters have even been around old folks homes to test out their invention.

Managing director of Force, 15-year old Lee Mullin, said: "It's really exciting but we are putting in a lot of work.

"We are finding it not as easy as we first thought."

The youngsters even raised £75 by selling hundreds of shares to school mates at 25p each.

But the shareholders are likely to get a rich dividend as the company has already raised more than £200.

Any cash left from paying share dividends and a 22.5 per cent tax to Young Enterprise will be given to charity.

The company, which also sells stereo headphones, has very strict rules - anyone who misses three board meetings gets the boot.

But Lee, of Captain Lees Road, Westhoughton, is finding it can be tough at the top.

He now has a difficult executive decision to make - which three other workers will get to go to Malta.

Lee said: "This is certainly one of the hardest decisions a managing director could take.

"I've got a feeling it could lead to a mass walk out."

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