HIGH-FLYING pupils set up virtual companies as theybattled it out in a business competition.

Youngsters fromfour schools competed in the challenge, staged at the Stanway Federation Learning Centre.

Young entrepreneurs from Stanway, Thomas Lord Audley, Manningtree and St Helena schools were asked to invent new, green businesses.

Among the ideas they came up with were an “E-flusher” whichused water fromtoilets togenerate energy, and kinetic floor pads which absorb energyas people walk over them.

Teams had to drawupa business plan, consider legal questions, holdapress conference and prepare anadvert to promote and market their business, with Thomas Lord AudleySchool named the winner.

Phil Jones, head of the learning centre, said: “All the teams were winners, with the top three within six marks of eachother.

“The team from Thomas Lord Audley School just edged it, impressing the judges with their ability to think on their feet.”