A TEAM of girls from Teesdale have gained a regional award for their business skills.

The group of year ten girls received the award at a ceremony at County Hall, in Durham City, as part of the Young Enterprise HSBC Innovation Awards.

To win the award, the girls had to set up a company, produce a report, set up a trade stand and give a ten-minute presentation about their company.

Staindrop won the best trade stand award and almost took the best presentation award, won by Durham High School for Girls.

The group was awarded the best overall company award for the Durham region, which puts them through to the next heat at Beamish Hall, where they will compete with winners from Sunderland, Tees Valley, Northumberland and Teesside.

The girls have also been asked to speak about their experiences at a Government conference next week at Redworth Hall.

Their business studies teacher, Alyson Carr, said: "It has been an exciting and fun learning experience for all involved."

To find out about the young enterprise scheme, call Janette Marquiss on (01740) 652681.