STUDENTS have been recognised for their business skills at an entrepreneurs' awards ceremony.

The Newcastle Marriott Hotel, at Gosforth Park, was the venue for the Young Enterprise regional finals and awards dinner.

It brought together students from across the region who had been running their own companies during the past academic year, along with 300 business people who were involved in Young Enterprise programmes.

Five area finalists, who had each won local competitions, were judged on financial performance, teamwork, business skills and understanding.

The overall winners, from Hartlepool Sixth Form College, ran clothing and accessories company SadCake.

The all-female team impressed the judges with their enthusiasm and knowledge of the business world during the interview section of the competition, as well as with a company report and five-minute presentation at the awards ceremony.

The team will represent the region in the national final on July 15.

Other award winners included a team from Staindrop Comprehensive School, which represented the Durham area.