A GROUP of talented Tavistock College students have won first prize in a national competition — the second time the team has made it to the finals of a UK event in the last 12 months.

The year 10 business studies teams won not only first, but also second place in the Headlight competition organised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) — a national competition for which the students had to design a new car with the focus on brand, product and promotion.

Earlier this year the winning team made it to the finals of the Real Business Challenge run by Coca Cola Enterprises, scooping a special prize for the most innovative design .

The Headlight first prize winners, Team Regent, were Jack Morewood, James Kerswill, Hardy Hopkinson, Alfie Beattie, Joe Sellars and Isaac Hammond.

Their luxury car, which had the tag line 'The Gent is Back' was a premium car designed to appeal to the wealthy male market.

Their design included the use of technology to create a multimedia experience and gadgets such as a built in suit carrier and champagne chiller to ensure it appealed to their target audience.

Second place was won by Team Echo, who designed an environmentally friendly hybrid for the modern woman.

The judges were impressed with the unique range of gadgets included in this design especially the talking mirror!

Teacher Sarah Holt said: 'The whole experience helped develop the students' understanding of product design and allowed them to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they had learnt during their business studies lessons.

'The students have done so well!'

College principal Helen Salmon said: 'I am very proud of our young entrepreneurs.

'These are the business people of the future.

'Perhaps they will give Alan Sugar a run for his money someday!'

Team Regent are now looking forward to their first prize — a trip to the Land Rover Heritage Museum, lunch and a 4x4 off-road experience.