A GROUP of enterprising youngsters from Stretford Grammar School are celebrating after winning a prestigious business award.

The pupils overcame strong opposition from 14 other schools in Trafford to win the top award from the Trafford Area Board of Young Enterprise.

Their victory is the culmination of several months of hard work. The group set up their own company, Premiere, last September, and they kept it afloat until the recent judging procedure.

The company made clay pots, cards, gift tags and picture frames and sold them to friends and fellow pupils. They had to create shares and keep on top of their finances, before submitting a report and giving a presentation at the end of the project.

The team's managing director, Bushra Khan, 17, said: "We were hoping to win the best presentation award, but to win the top award is fantastic. There were so many good schools in the competition.

"We had a really good laugh and it was a lot of fun. We were under pressure with exams at school, so we had to keep motivating ourselves all the time."

Stretford Grammar School teacher Yvonne Jones, who provided the team with help and advice, said: "I'm surprised but totally delighted. They've all worked very hard.

"They've had their ups and downs, and it's been a fantastic experience for them."

Gordon McGuire, one of the competition judges, said: "It was hard to judge the entries, but Premiere's entry was of a very high standard.

"They scored well in every category. Some schools did well in some areas but not so well in others, but Premiere were very good all rounders."

Premiere also won awards for the best presentation and best report. Urmston Grammar School's company, WOT?!, won three awards, for best stall, best marketing and best product.

The Stretford team now go on to compete in the Strategic Board Final, against winners from Salford, Manchester, Tameside and Stockport.

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