PUPILS from Abbeyfield School in Chippenham have won first place in a Dragons' Den style enterprise competition.

The team of five Year 10 pupils pitched their idea for an innovative, ethical product against St Mark's School in Bath and Dorcan School in Swindon, at Bath University's national Enterprise Conference.

Their Flush for Free business plan proposed an original concept for an eco-friendly water system that re-uses bath and shower water to flush a bathroom toilet.

Paige Allen, a former contestant on the BBC's Dragons' Den series, was one of three judges to grill the pupils, as well as talking to the pupils about her experiences in business, as founder of the Fruity Faces company.

Fellow dragon Liz Andrews, Aimhigher and Outreach Events coordinator at the University, said: "The standard of presentations from all the schools was very high but the Abbeyfield team responded superbly to some tough questions and we were unanimous in our decision to back them for the trophy.

"They had an excellent and creative product design and a thorough and professional business plan which really stood up to scrutiny."

David Drake, learning co-ordinator for Humanities at Abbeyfield School, added: "The competition was a challenging opportunity for the students and they really enjoyed the whole experience.

"It has inspired our students to think about how everyday products can have an impact on other people and the environment. Who knows, we might have the next Anita Roddick in the making!"

The Enterprise Conference was organised by the University of Bath Entrepreneurs Club (BANTER) for undergraduates from across the UK.