A TEAM of year 10 students, along with their teachers from Okehampton College, took part in the Lionheart Challenge Regional final this summer.

The challenge, which is a live hands-on Enterprise programme, involved school teams of key stage four students, who took part in a unique, high impact Enterprise challenge experience.

The challenge inspired them to stretch their abilities to the limit.

The team of eight students, who had already won an Enterprise activity in the college earlier in the year, were entered into the South West Regional final, which took place at Warwick University on Friday, July 3.

The group left Okehampton College at 4.30am to travel up to the Midlands, where they designed and created an innovative product that would promote fire safety in the home.

The group came up with the idea of a self extinguishing chip pan and put together a business plan, mock up of the product and mini powerpoint presentation in a relatively short time.

The team work and project earned them an award for the best use of technology, best teamwork and regional winners.

Assistant principal at Okehampton College, Jean Harris said: 'The team then went on to take part in the national finals in Liverpool and although they did not win, they worked hard in a challenging competition and it was an exceptional experience for them.

'As part of the experience, they stayed overnight in the university halls of residence and dressed in their finest for the evening to attend the champagne award ceremony.'

Mrs Harris expressed thanks to Okehampton College teachers, John Jarvis and Tracey Milburn, who drove the students up to each event and were on hand encouraging and reassuring them with their tasks on each of the competitions.

Okehampton College has been recognised for its excellence in the delivery of Enterprise work and is seen by the school as important preparation for the world of work.