A TALENTED group of entrepreneurs from Sir Thomas Picton School have been awarded for creating an innovative new mobile phone accessory.

The team of sixth-formers have been hard at work since October to create the Mobi-Mood, a plywood device which is used with a mobile phone to light up a bottle or balloon.

As part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, the team recently travelled to Cardiff for the regional final to compete against three other schools from across Wales.

Despite winning two of the three categories – best report and best trade stand and interview – the Mobi-Mood team was not named best overall company and narrowly missed out on a place in the next round.

They were, however, given a wildcard, meaning they are still in with a chance of competing to become UK company of the year in July.

Members of the six-person team were delighted to pick up two awards.

“The judges came round and interviewed us and they seemed to really enjoy the product,” said Beth Oliver, managing director of the company.

“They also suggested a couple of shops where we could sell our product.”

The group’s teacher, Tim Evans, has praised them for their efforts.

"A huge congratulations from both Mr Elson and I on the Mobi-Mood team doing so well at the west Wales final,” he said.

“Your huge effort paid off and you were a credit to STP and yourselves. Well done.”

As part of the Young Enterprise Company Programme, over 14,500 people aged 15-19 from across the country have set up and run a real businesses during this academic year.

Students have made all the decisions about their business, from deciding on the company name and product, to creating a business plan, managing their finances and selling their products.

Research has shown that in the two years following their company’s closure, 95 per cent are in education, employment or training – 7 per cent higher than the national rate of 88 per cent.

Michael Mercieca, chief executive of Young Enterprise, praised the work and innovative ideas from this year’s entrants.

“It's the ultimate measure of many months of hard work from the students, representing their creativity, resilience and business acumen.”