Richard Branson had better look out-the entrepreneurial skills of Chelmsford student Adam Clarke have been recognised with a regional award.

Adam, 16, a student at the Thriftwood School, has been named as the student in the Eastern Region who made the most progress through the Young Enterprise scheme.

Young Enterprise is a national scheme, for both special and mainstream schools, where groups of students are set the challenge of creating their own company.

Adam, who is autistic, joined together with 11 of his school friends to create 'Craft on the Box', making a range of craft items that fitted into gift boxes.

He was selected by a team of national judges and awarded the Sir John Moores' Award for Special Achievement.

Head teacher Sally Davies, said: "They have to create their own company and it involves the whole process from establishing the business, selling shares to selling the product. Adam was chosen as the student who had developed the most skills from working in this way.

"To see his progress has been absolutely phenomenal. We are all over the moon for him."

Adam is pictured with his certificate and the school's IT co-ordinator Lynne Wood.

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