A TEAM of schoolgirls has beaten groups from around the world in an enterprise challenge.

The group of five girls from Staindrop Comprehensive, in County Durham, represented the region at the European Young Enterprise trade fair, which attracted 60 teams from 19 different countries.

Their company, Blue Moo, which produced novelty light switch surrounds and matching memo pads, was highly commended at the event, held at Gateshead's MetroCentre shopping complex.

As well as winning an award, the girls managed to sell some of their products to some of their competitors.

The team were Laura Freeman, of Gainford, Anna Young of Barnard Castle, and Melissa Anderson, Stacey Sedgewick and Kelly Sowerby of West Auckland.

The trade fair is held in the UK once every 18 years.