SOUTH Lakeland's future economy is in safe hands, judging by the quality of the area's next generation of entrepreneurs on show at the district final of the Young Enterprise competition.

Sixth form students representing a total of nine companies from seven local secondary schools made their sales pitch for top dog in South Lakeland on Friday night.

And while the judges singled out the Reflections business from Windermere St Anne's School for the overall title, all the young achievers could count themselves winners on a night which showcased their fledgling business talents.

Youngsters from Windermere St Anne's will have little time to bask in their glory, however, since they now go forward to represent South Lakeland at the Young Enter-prise county final on May 16.

They caught the judges' eye with their CD-ROM called A Doorway into the Lake District, containing photos by Langdale postman Tony Richards, screen savers, slide shows, details of walks, visitor attractions, shop details, website links, history from the area and hotel and accommodation information.

The business has sold more than 100 CD-ROMs not only to locals and tourists but also to a major wholesaler Hill's Books. The CD-ROM is expected to be on sale at all tourist information centres in the southern Lake District this season, and Reflections plans to extend its customer list.

Link teacher Dr Paul Collinson paid tribute to the efforts of the young achievers, and said they had benefited from expert advisors Lisa Crossley, Stuart Etherington and Clive Wilson.

Runner-up for the best overall company was Snatch of Casterton School, who came up with the bright idea of producing and selling a glow-in-the-dark light switch surround to help people avoid fumbling in the dark.

Sold under the brand name the Shiner, it has proved a real moneyspinner and helped Snatch team members to achieve a £1,300 turnover this year. Students revealed they were in talks with Lakeland Limited, which is interested in selling the self-adhesive product.

Unique of Dallam School finished in third place, thanks to a book it compiled giving life advice for students.

Mandy Dixon, chairman of the South Lakeland area board of Young Enterprise, said she was delighted with the high standard of this year's businesses, especially as both students and teachers now faced increasing demands on their time following the introduction of AS level exams.

"The experience the children get from running a company is second to none. It does not count towards exam league tables but it's a brilliant life experience for them," she said.

Students taking part in this year's area final at Kendal Town Hall were restricted to five minute-long presentations, forcing them to focus more on using their written report to reflect the experiences over the past year, and to ensure they created eye-catching trade stands on the night.

VIP guests for the night included South Lakeland District Council chairman Roger Bingham and vice chairman Jean Ewing.

Lakeland Limited purchasing director Martin Rayner was guest speaker, while Howard Turner of Prontaprint in Kendal was chairman of the judging panel.

Organisers said they were pleased the presentation night attracted a lot of parents.

Other schools taking part in the Young Enterprise area final were Kirkbie Kendal and Queen Katherine, Kendal; Queen Elizabeth, Kirkby Lonsdale; and The Lakes.

Results

Best company report: 1 Reflections, Windermere St Anne's School; 2 Unique, Dallam.

Best presentation: 1 Snatch, Casterton; 2 Reflections. Innovation prize: Unique.

Quality assurance prize: Unique.

Company trade stand: 1 Reflections; joint 2 Enigma, Queen Elizabeth, Kirkby Lonsdale, and Unique.

May 8, 2003 13:30