ENTERPRISING students set a shining example to win the �5,000 first prize in a business competition, which was a cross between TV shows The Apprentice and Dragon’s Den.

The students are all on a BTEC business studies course at the College of West Anglia, and their company sells scented candles through craft fairs and other outlets.

Five students delivered their pitch to the judges to explain how their company, called Illuminate, has made significant progress. They have designed a product and packing, which is now ready to market.

A team spokesman said: “This is an amazing opportunity for us, we really didn’t expect to win as everyone’s business concepts were really good.

“We are looking forward to investing in our business concept with a new display unit and hopefully some new premises so we can develop sales and expand production”.

They triumphed against nine other hopeful “businesses” when they went before a judging panel, which included Tom Harrison, the chairman of competition sponsors Morston Assets, and College of West Anglia’s Principal, David Pomfret.

The teams each received initial start-up money of �100 provided by Morston Assets. They operated their businesses for six months before going in front of the judges.

The winning team included Paul Matthews, Nadia Kravcova, Deividas Danellius, Viada Dockute and Maria Ntemourasavilli.