YOUNGSTERS from a college in North Yorkshire are flying high after winning a national competition.

Pupils from Ripon College took to the skies in a hot- air balloon as a reward for their success in beating more than 200 other schools in the Thompson Local Build A Business contest, which aims to show how businesses can help local communities.

Entries submitted to the competition included flavoured butter and community dog walking to help prevent childhood obesity, but Ripon College managed to win the judges over with its Little Leisure’s scheme, which allowed primary school children to take part in affordable after-school groups.

Mark Cox, corporate communications manager for Thompson Local, said: “The students from Ripon College shone through and have shown they are the next entrepreneurs in the making.”

The students have already gained sponsorship with EDGE, their local fitness club, and are advertising their after-school service in four local primary schools.