Young entrepreneurs have earned their chance to represent West Cumbria in a countywide business competition.

A team from the Energy Coast UTC at Lillyhall has reached the county final of Young Enterprise after clinching a customer service award and finishing second in West Cumbria.

They will represent the area after pogressing from the area final at Dunmail Park, where teams competed to sell their products to the general public.

Young Enterprise is a nationwide charity that supports students to learn more about running and designing businesses.

The pupils called their business UpTech and handmade products from recycled and reclaimed materials, turning old vinyl records into clocks and cake stands while previously they had sold laser-cut Christmas decorations and Valentine's Day gifts.Rhianna Hewer, managing director of UpTech, said: “We couldn’t believe how well it went.

"We had so much positive feedback from our customers, so to win an award and go through to the next round is more than we could have ever hoped for.”

Rob Phizacklea, who is the centre lead for UpTech, added: "It was another productive day of sales for UTC’s latest Young Enterprise team UpTech with their stall at Dunmail Park on Saturday.

"They then presented their business plan and company report at the area final at the Carnegie Theatre in Workington, where they won the award for best customer service as well as taking the overall runners-up position.

"Their next challenge is the county final at the end of the month.”