TWO teams of Malvern students have won prestigious regional enterprise awards.

The teams, from Malvern St James School, took part in the Young Enterprise Awards, which run through senior schools and encourage entrepreneurialism and business knowhow.

As part of the scheme, the students create "companies" to create a product they believe will sell successfully and build a business structure around it with a CEO, finance director and sales and marketing teams.

The MSJ teams were called "ONCE" and "Hydrogen" - ONCE created sleep masks and relaxation kits to help people get a better night sleep, while Hydrogen made unique soap bars to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Shortly before the coronavirus lockdown, both teams set up their stalls at the Worcester Spring Trade Fair where they had their chance to sell to the public.

After the fair, they wrote up a report and prepared a presentation which they were to present at the South Worcestershire Showcase Evening the last week before Easter.

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Sadly, the coronavirus lockdown meant this could not happen, and the presentations had to be submitted virtually.

Despite all the challenges, both teams were awarded prizes - ONCE won the Creativity in Business Award, while Hydrogen was a finalist.

Hydrogen then went on to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Finals, which once again was judged online and they won the Innovation Award.

MSJ headmistress Mrs Olivera Raraty said: "These two teams have performed really well and shown individuals with great heads for business.

"It is very encouraging that they are embracing business challenges and the experience should set them up well for future careers where they can demonstrate their skills and credentials.

"I also thank Heather MacDonald, one of our Economics teachers, who lead this valuable extra-curricular activity."