DURHAM sixth-formers have proved they are a class above when it comes to handling money.

Fifteen students from Framwellgate School scooped the Harland and Company award for the best financially managed company at the Young Enterprise county awards, held at County Hall, in Durham.

The group's company traded under the name Freestyle, specialising in handmade greetings cards.

They beat stiff competition from six other teams in the area and made £100 profit.

Accountants and business development advisors Harland and Company, which has offices in Newcastle and Consett, sponsored the award for the second year in a bid to support the region's entrepreneurs of the future.

Accounts manager Stephen Paul, who is also a former Framwellgate School pupil, said: "It is satisfying to be able to support such a worthwhile initiative.

"We were extremely impressed with the group's clear business plan and their general understanding of financial matters involved in running a successful business.

"Young Enterprise does some fantastic work in encouraging young people to become capable entrepreneurs and we are delighted to be able to help."

Freestyle's accountant, Jonathan Haggart, of Newton Hall, 17, said: "We were ecstatic when we found out we'd won.

"I enjoyed gaining real experience of financial work. I am studying A-level maths so it is all relevant to what I want to do as a career."

Link teacher at Framwellgate School, Virginia Stone, said: "It is great that Harland and Company are involved because it emphasises the realism for the students in running a business, so that they don't just view it as competition between schools."