DETERMINED youngsters united the worlds of business and schools at a special event held in Medway. Around 150 students with special needs or learning difficulties from across Medway and Kent took part in the Young Enterprise business and team-building seminar at Buckmore Park, Chatham.

Aged between 15 and 19, the battling young people overcame some tough physical challenges, including a daunting rock climb. They then took these new skills and self confidence into business workshops where they found out how to run a business by learning about a range of business skills such as marketing, organising window displays and running meetings.

Jill Cochrane, chairman of the Kent branch of the Institute of Directors, praised the students for their dedication and enthusiasm. At the end of the day, the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling presented each student with a certificate of achievement.

Young Enterprise was founded in Medway in the 1960s. It is now a national organisation whose ideas have been copied throughout the world. It aims to give young people a taste of the business world, encouraging them to set up businesses in their schools and colleges.

Sponsors include Kent and Medway Education Business Alliance, Marks and Spencer, Royal British Legion Industries, Kimberly-Clark, and Ramada Hotels.