YOUNG entrepreneurs who produced a board game that netted a huge dividend for shareholders took part in the national finals of a top business competition.

The Paragon Young Enterprise team from Ribblesdale High School, Clitheroe, devised the game "Witchways" depicting the history and culture of Ribble Valley.

They have just returned from London where they took part in the national finals of the Young Enterprise competition.

Although they didn't win, Ribblesdale teacher Neil Ashworth praised the team's 24 members for their efforts.

Witchways caught the eye of Cherie Blair when the youngsters visited Downing Street last year and chemical giant ICI recently ordered a batch as corporate toys for top clients.

Paragon has also produced an American-style leavers book available in print or on CD-Rom.

The mini-firm recently announced a turnover of £8,290 and a £14 dividend for pupil shareholders who invested £2 each.

Ribblesdale High School Young Enterprise co-ordinator Neil Ashworth said: "Although the youngsters didn't win, we are really proud of them. They have reached the national finals of Young Enterprise for the second year running and are competing against students who are much older.

"They came in the top 10 of 4,000 entrants, which is quite remarkable."

He thanked Paragon's business advisors from Clitheroe firm Rectella International for their support.

Young Enterprise offers youngsters aged 15 to 19 the chance to run their own mini-firms with help from local businesses.

The firm's 24 members enjoyed a four-day all expenses paid trip to the capital for the finals held at the Commonwealth Institute.

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