THE business acumen of a group of year 10 students from Tavistock College has resulted in the school being shortlisted to compete in the regional finals of Coca-Cola's Real Business Challenge.

Tavistock College is just one of two Devon schools to make it into the regional final that will be held in Bristol on February 14, where nine of the region's schools will vie for the title.

This is one of 11 regional events being held throughout January and February when 110 shortlisted schools will compete for places before going on to compete for the national accolade in London, just three weeks later.

To get through to the regional finals, the eight-strong Tavistock College team had to devise a new soft drink, create a name and logo and write business and marketing plans for the new product.

Students will be given a new challenge at the regional finals in Bristol, where they will present their solutions to a judging panel that will comprise representatives from Coca-Cola Enterprises, the education sector and local businesses.

Tavistock College principal Helen Salmon said: 'We are incredibly proud that the Tavistock College team entered the competition and won through to the regional finals.

'Pursuing passions and talents is something that we encourage with all our students and it is especially rewarding to see their achievements recognised at a regional level.

'I have no doubt that the team has already learned a lot and that they will do well at the regional finals. The whole college wishes them the best of luck.'

This year is the tenth anniversary year of the Coca-Cola Real Business Challenge that gives young people the opportunity to work alongside business mentors on a live project to develop skills and increase their employability. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Coca-Cola Enterprises has partnered with Special Olympics GB to create the task for the regional and national finals.