Students from schools and colleges across Hertfordshire have gone head-to-head in the UK’s largest enterprise initiative.

More than 1,400 teenagers across the county have taken part in the Make Your Mark Challenge, a scheme for 14 to 19-year-olds, which aims to improve the enterprise capabilities of young people.

Fronted by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley, the event kick-started Global Entrepreneurship Week and last Monday students were challenged to come up with unique and inspiring ideas in response to a secret brief created by Ms Riley.

Participating students from schools including Kings Langley School and Bushey Meads School, were encouraged to come up with innovative business ideas and to consider their environmental impact.

Hazel Johnson, head of region for Enterprise UK, said: “This year’s Make Your Mark Challenge, which has the strap line ‘don’t be a carbon copy’ ask students to think up ideas that are new and different.

“At the same time it encourages them to assess the environmental impact of their idea.

“We hope this will make a positive contribution to a future where low-carbon innovation is essential.”

The competition, which aims to improve the enterprise capabilities of participating students, includes risk-taking, creativity, financial planning and communication.

Proving that they are among the most enterprising young minds in the country, students have also competed for the chance to win at regional level or for the national prize of up to £1,000, as well as £100 in high street vouchers.

Global enterprise week runs until Sunday, November 22. For more information visit http://www.gew.org.uk/home