STUDENTS from Poole High School have won a major award after taking part in an enterprise contest.

The youngsters won the Best Group Award in the 11-14 age group of the Young Enterprise Tenner Challenge.

Their company, called Cute as a Button, produced upcycled crafts including hand-printed cases, hand-sewn keyrings, DIY bracelet kits, knotted hedgehogs and button art. They also sold sweet treats including homemade cakes, brownies and cupcakes.

The team’s love of baking sparked the idea and they were thrilled to be allowed to trade in a local shopping centre.

A spokesman for the team said: “The aspect we loved the most was working together as a whole team and we have learnt how important it is to stick together and to be determined.”

This year 21,000 students aged 11 to 19 across the UK registered for the free challenge, which gives young people a taste of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.

Participants are pledged £10 and given one month to make a profit and engage with their community. They have the chance to think of a new business idea and make it happen, using real money to take calculated risks in the business field.

Participants are free to keep their profits, which most donate to a charity of their choice.

Michael Mercieca, chief executive of Young Enterprise, said: “Cute as a Button really impressed us in the judging and I look forward to seeing what they achieve in the future.”

In 2015 the top 50 teams made a total profit of £32,500, and 76 per cent of teams donated all or part of their profits to charities.