Link 2 Nature, from Beech Grove Academy, Nonington, winners of the Young Enterprise County Final

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Helping children learn more about the natural world has won a top county award for young business people.

Link2Nature, a business set up by students at Beech Grove Academy, Nonington, won the Kent and Medway Young Enterprise Final held at the University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, last night.

They saw off a challenge from five other school businesses to land the major prize.

It was the school's first attempt at Young Enterprise, an organisation founded in Chatham 49 years ago and now national and international. It encourages school pupils to set up and run a real business.

The winners came up with the idea of wicker Nature Baskets filled with natural objects like pine cones, bark and sheep's wool.

They promoted sales through Nursery World magazine and website, generating turnover of nearly £5,000.

Managing director Trent Meier, 17, said: "It is very gratifying and I'm very proud of my team.

"A big thankyou to Young Enterprise for helping us. It's been a very good educational experience."

In his presentation to an audience of 140, he said: "Sadly, too many children are disconnected from nature. We have learned so many valuable lessons from the natural world that we want to share them through our product."

Peter Reeves, chairman of the judges, hailed the winner's innovative product and research: "They had gone outside the normal school and community and talked to some very big players."

The business had huge potential, he added. He praised the finalists for achieving the highest standards of any previous YE final.

The other finalists were Rainham Mark Grammar School, Sir Roger Manwood's, Sandwich, The Fokestone School for Girls, Dartford Girls Grammar, and Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks.