BUDDING Richard Bransons from Preston schools are putting the final touches to their mini-companies ready for a prestigious competition.

Pupils from ten high schools taking part in the Young Enterprise awards showed off their work to shoppers in supermarkets in the town this week.

Pupils from Fulwood High School have already won a plaque as part of the annual competition for having the best business plan.

Managing Director Seema Mistry said running cuddly toy company Starz prepared everyone for life. The 14-year-old said: "It's hard work but we are learning a lot. It gives us valuable experience."

Our Lady's High, also from Fulwood, have done well in the competition for the past three years and this year entered a wooden flowers and jigsaw business called Desideratum.

Personnel Director Caroline Quinn said she had gained a lot of new skills: "I enjoy it and have learnt how to organise time and meet new people."

Both schools hope to impress the judges with business presentations at the University of Central Lancashire on April 29.

The winner would then go on to the regional heat and could go on to national and international finals.

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