ARTIFICIAL limbs for children in war zones was one of the bright business ideas thought up by enterprising young people in Swale.

Students from four schools - Westlands, Borden Grammar, Highsted Grammar and Fulston Manor - took part in the latest Understanding Enterprise programme pioneered by the Enterprise Laboratory at Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne.

They impressed programme leaders Ian White and Gail Mitchell with their enthusiasm and the quality of their ideas.

Two students, Jennifer Haith and Jade Clinch were singled out for special praise for what organisers called their "outstanding achievement". They came up with the idea to make child-friendly artificial limbs in war-torn areas, and also to create customised music compilation CDs.

Mr White said: "It's wonderful that, through a combination of personal interest and knowledge of the world around them, many students explore ideas that balance social responsibility with making a profit.

"This is real proof we are producing enterprising people, and whether they choose to start a business or not, the skills they develop stand them in good stead for the future."

Understanding Enterprise is a new enterprise learning programme developed by Kent-based Enterprise Laboratory that may be copied nationwide.

The programme enables schools to fulfil their statutory requirement to provide work-based learning at Key Stage 4 and encourage close links between schools and business.

It also provides students with a unit at Level 2 accredited by the National Open College Network, and offers additional support through a Virtual Learning Centre developed with Durham Business School.

Kent County Council's Community Development Unit is backing the latest programmes. And in future, schools with DfES Enterprise Pathfinder status are being invited to take part.