by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A school business that almost collapsed before Christmas has gone on to win a county final.

Hoo Enterprise, a company set up by the Hundred of Hoo School under the Young Enterprise scheme, took top prize in a tough contest held last night at the University of Kent.

It was a triumph for a school which was plunged into special measures following a poor Ofsted report last summer.

Kevin Mahon, the new head of school, hailed the victory, saying he could not be more proud of the students' achievement.

"It's typical of the school - students with spirit and determination," he said.

"In adversity, came forth the strength to take it forward. This is a further indication of how good the school is. I'm thrilled."

But it could have been so different. Just before Christmas, students held a crunch meeting after several members had quit the company.

Lauren Stone, 17, the firm's managing director, recalled what happened.

"We had a few hiccups along the way and it was make or break.

"But we thought - we're going to fight back, we're going to put 100 per cent effort in. And we pulled through."

The students came up with several products and services including a World Cup board game, a healthy eating shop, a school yearbook and Halloween disco.

Lauren, Kyle Beale, Karl Cowell and Tom Davis impressed judges with their on-stage presentation but others were involved behind the scenes.

After receiving an engraved glass trophy and winners' shield, Lauren, who hopes to become a project manager in a mechanical engineering company when she leave school in July, said: "It's amazing, a complete surprise."

Hoo Enterprise also wins an expenses-paid day trip to Kent County Council's office in Brussels and will compete in the regional final in Maidstone next month.

Victory would take them to the national final in London in July.