A TEAM of business-minded youngsters have come third in a national competition.

More than 11,000 pupils from 266 secondary schools took part in the Make Your Mark Challenge.

They had to respond to a live online brief, designed to test their entrepreneurial skills.

Pupils from St Michael's RC School, in Billingham, secured their place in the finals of the Make Your Mark Challenge by marketing a Teesside delicacy - the Parmo.

The children were among 11 groups going through to the event, which took place in London, on December 6 and 7.

There they were set a fresh brief to produce and market a new drink and then pitch their ideas to a nerve-racking judging panel.

The team finished third in the event and were presented with certificates, a trophy, and £1,000 for their school.

Alun Michael MP, minister for industry and the regions, said: "The winners and all the schools that competed in the final of the Make Your Mark Challenge have done amazingly well.

"I am sure I have been shaking hands with the Richard Bransons and Anita Roddicks of the future.

"I hope these awards will inspire our next generation of entrepreneurs to turn their bright ideas into successful business ventures."

Littlehampton Community School, in West Sussex, came first and Ysgol Greenhill School, Tenby, Wales, were second.