PAWS4THOUGHT from Wilmslow High School came out on top in a Dragons Den-style competition hosted by Cheshire Oaks designer outlet.

Students from six schools and colleges across Cheshire and Warrington took part in the competition, with the Wilmslow team’s idea of a handmade sustainable dog toy set made from recycled materials catching the judges’ attention.

Students have been participating in the Young Enterprise Company Programme, setting up and running their own real-life enterprises, from dog toys to bamboo straws.

They have sourced materials, designed products, created business plans and marketed to the public. The Dragons Den gives them an opportunity to present to a panel of business people and consumers.

The Wilmslow High team will be competing in April in the Cheshire and Warrington county finals of this year’s Young Enterprise Company Programme.

Young Enterprise works with 250,000 students every year, and thousands of young people from across the country have set up and run a real business or social enterprise with Company Programme, Young Enterprise’s education programme.

Suzanne Lockwood, area manager for C+W at Young Enterprise, said: “I’m always impressed by the quality of business idea the students come up with.

“It's the ultimate measure of many months of hard work, representing their creativity, resilience and business acumen.

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Joy Reed, Cheshire Oaks and member of Young Enterprise board in Cheshire and Warrington, said: “We were delighted to host the Dragons Den at Cheshire Oaks and to support these brilliant budding entrepreneurs from across Cheshire and Warrington.

“We can’t wait to see how they get on in the competition in April and wish them luck.”