Link2Nature, a company founded by Kent pupils, has been voted runner-up in the Young Enterprise national awards.

The students from Beech Grove Academy, Nonington, who had already won the Kent and south east finals, came second in the contest.

They also picked up the Young Enterprise Marketing Award, making them the only winner of two awards, and took away prize money of £1,250.

The prestigious Young Enterprise HSBC Innovation Awards 2012 were held in the Intercontinental Hotel, London, and attended by Business Secretary Vince Cable.

He said: “Early exposure to enterprise helps to give young people the hands-on experience of what it means to run a business. If this country is really going to grow and succeed it will be on the back of what you are doing in this competition.

“By investing time and effort into our young people now, we will be able to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs who can help take the UK forward into a bright economic future.”

Link2 Nature offers children fun ways to play and learn that are not based around TV or video screen.

The students produce nature baskets for children packed with natural materials such as bamboo rolls, pine cones, shells and wool. They have also written a children’s story book The Adventures of Piney Conus.

After winning the regional award, link teacher Lakesha Menz said: “It has been a year of many highs and lows but one in which our students have learned skills and values to last a lifetime.”

The winning team - Vitamin Boom from Balcarras Academy in Gloucestershire – now competes in the European Final in Bucharest.