business-MINDED pupils from Basingstoke's John Hunt of Everest Community School are celebrating after scooping honours at borough and county level.

The team were honoured with an award for innovation at the overall Young Enterprise County Contest in Winchester - just days after a triple triumph at the area finals in Basingstoke.

Year 10 students Chris McDonald, Helen Smith and Laura Graham, all from Popley, were presented with the county award in recognition of their successful attempts at renting out student paintings to Basingstoke-based hair care company, Wella.

This presentation came fresh off the back of their success at the area finals held at the AA's Fanum House site in Basing View.

The 15-year-olds picked up prizes from deputy borough mayor, Cllr Gwen Richardson, for best trade stand (for their Spring display), best report and accounts and the overall best company category for their offering of The Everest Entertainment Company, which was put forward with six other companies for the overall county contest.

Young Enterprise seeks to give young people the opportunity to set up their own company and run it for 12 months, and it was one the school thrived off.

Eve Cosgrove, business manager at John Hunt of Everest, said: "Even though we didn't win the overall county competition, the team held their own at the county contest.

"They were up against colleges and they still came away with an award. I really am thrilled with them."

Student Chris McDonald said: "We feel very proud. It's been a steep learning curve."

Laura Graham added: "It's been hard work, but we've had really good fun."

Sally Hedges, the head of maths who has been supervising the team, said: "They have done well. They are a small group, but they have made big strides.

"Meeting deadlines is something they've had to come to terms with. These are all things they are going to need in the big wide world."

Three other local schools won in the area finals, held on May 4. Aldworth Science College, South Ham, won best product, Cranbourne School, Kings Furlong, won best business plan and The Hurst Community College, Baughurst, won best presentation and best trade stand (for their Christmas display).