A TEAM of creative pupils from Springfields Academy in Calne swallowed their fear to pitch a business idea and join the finals of the Ryman National Enterprise Challenge.

Twenty-three pupils from the special educational needs school in Curzon Lane were put to the test by the NEC team at the end of February where they brainstormed business ideas based on an attraction or hotel concept.

The challenge, which has already been delivered to more than 100,000 young people from over 200 schools, is inspired by real-life businesses and encourages pupils to work as a team and be creative.

ICT teacher Louiza Bruce said: "A day of teamwork, ideas and fantastic creativity took place and all students gained excelled experience from the project. We had some fantastic preparations and the pupils overcame many anxieties and stood at the front of the class and pitched their ideas.

"We had a winning team chosen to represent the academy at the finals in July with a great pitch and look forward to continuing the journey and learning even more skills.

"I just want to say how proud I am of every one of the pupils that took part, they represented the academy brilliantly."

The winning team of six, who pitched a hotel room concept, will now represent the academy at the finals held at the Alton Towers resort in Suffolk with Theo Paphitis in July.