A GROUP from the North-East will fly the flag for the UK in a competition to find the world's most enterprising students.

The Newcastle University squad will compete against teams from 37 countries in the Students in Free Enterprise World Cup, in Barcelona, Spain, from Wednesday to Friday.

The seven Newcastle students will make presentations to a panel of judges about the enterprising work they have done.

Not only must they demonstrate their business skills, they must also show how their enterprises have benefited the community and helped educate others about entrepreneurship, ethics and financial responsibility.

Some have been involved in setting up businesses such as Catalyst Communications, a company that produces a simple anti-date-rape device.

Another company, Whatever Productions, was set up by medical students to produce educational videos for use in medical schools.

Other members of the team have shown enterprise in community work, such as MedSHINE, a volunteer group of students working with asylum seekers on health-related issues.

Peter Hurst, from Eastwood Gardens, Low Fell, Gateshead, who graduated in applied communications this year, won a place in the team after directing a video starring a group of friends, which is aimed at encouraging 11 and 12 year olds to think about going to university.