PUPILS from Durham High School for Girls will compete to take home the top prize in the North-East and Cumbria final of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

The youngsters set up and ran their own scented candle business for a year with the help of local mentors.

More than 600 14 to 18 year olds across the region have taken part in the contest which is supported by HSBC. The regional final at the Metrocentre Marriott Hotel, in Gateshead, on June 9, has been whittled down to four teams from different schools.

The winner will represent the North-East and Cumbria at the UK final on July 2 in London.

Michael Mercieca, Young Enterprise chief executive, said: “Setting up and running their own companies while in school gives young people valuable real-life experience and enables them to develop key skills that will help them in work and in life.

“We’ve seen some great businesses set up by young people in North-East and Cumbria this year and I wish all the students the best of luck.”