A tea company has set its sights on Waitrose after brewing up a business which was named the best in Kent in a competition for emerging entrepreneurs.

Pupils from Beach Grove Academy impressed judges with Beatific Tea, a company which sells new blends of gourmet teas.

The firm, based in Nonington, near Canterbury, was named Kent company of the year at the county final of Young Enterprise, a competition run by the business education charity of the same name.

It will take on firms from across the South East in a regional final later this year, aiming to qualify for national and European prizes.

Sam Jones, 17, was one of seven pupils who presented the company in the final at Oakwood House in Maidstone on Thursday.

He said: “We started by selling to family and friends but we have moved on to selling house-to-house and at a lot of Christmas markets and seasonal fairs.

“We are now selling in five tea shops and would one day like to sell to Waitrose.”

Managing director Michelle Cavanna, 16, said: “We feel so successful. We worked hard for this and we can’t wait to go to London in the next round.

“I’ve learned that to make anything happen you have to communicate effectively and be organised. It’s a lot of work but it’s definitely been worth it.

“Every student our age should do this.”

Lilla Home, which sells scented candles, was set up by pupils from Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls and named runner up on the night.

Managing director Freya Hempleman, 16, said: “I feel really empowered because we have worked so hard since September and it’s really come together.

“We have learned to be confident in our product and in ourselves.”

Young Enterprise chairman Bernard Spring said: “This isn’t just about business. Kids do learn about business but it’s the other stuff they get along the way which is most important, like teamworking, confidence and presentation skills.

“When you see the stuff they come up with it’s fantastic. Every kid in the land should get this opportunity.”