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Birley Community College could be the breeding ground for the next Richard Branson after pupils walked away as winners from Sheffield's very own Dragon's Den.

The students, aged 15-16, put their entrepreneurial spirit to the test and won first prize at Sheffield Enterprise Agency's (SENTA's) Student Enterprise Competition as part of National Enterprise Week.

Pupils from 14 local schools entered SENTA's lair at the Cutlers' Hall for a day of interactive business planning, before running their ideas past a panel of five local ‘dragons'.

Students also received a talk from Jay Cousins, a former Dragon's Den contestant, who revealed more about his entrepreneurial experiences.

Birley Community College won with their idea for selling advertising space on drop down entertainment systems on public transport. Pupils said the idea would help boost the local economy as well as encouraging people to leave their cars at home.

The winners beat off competition from Sheffield Park School and High Storrs School who finished second and third respectively. Meadowhall sponsored the first prize for the third year running and supporting sponsors Omnia Offices and Interlink Sun Homes sponsored the second and third prizes. The winning teams each received Meadowhall vouchers of £50, £20 and £10 respectively.

Meadowhall representative Dianne Wainwright said, "This is the third year we have been lead sponsor of this event. Meadowhall is committed to working with the local community to develop the area and improve the local economy. There is no better way to do this than to support local kids and help them fulfil their potential. Congratulations to all the schools that took part."

The third National Enterprise Week was aimed at inspiring young people in their teens and twenties by encouraging them to consider the prospect of starting their own business.

Aileen Williams, Business and IT teacher at Birley Community College, said: "This was a really inspirational and well organised event that has given the pupils their first taste of setting up their own business. All the children worked really hard and we're proud to have been named winners by such a prestigious panel of judges."

SENTA is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and provides fully integrated support to new business start-ups and businesses up to two years old. Its start-up programme is funded by Yorkshire Forward under contract with Business Link South Yorkshire.

Students must ensure the idea is marketable and develop a mini business plan. SENTA business advisors will be on hand to assist them in areas such as finance and marketing and general business planning issues.

Last year Enterprise Week in Yorkshire and Humber saw more than 15,000 young people participate in over 200 events across the region.