Opotiki College Young Enterprise Team ‘Quick Coders' are overall winners for the Eastern Bay at the Regional Awards Ceremony held at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi last week.

The team created flash cards and a distal app ‘Learn in a flash' to help students to learn code, which they taught in 10 local primary schools.

Also recognised at the awards was Kayleigh Simpson from Whakatane High School, who was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) programme allows students to set up their own company, create real products or services, compile and implement a business plan and make real profit or loss.

Regional co-ordinator for YES in the Eastern Bay Jo Finlay says she was impressed by all the local students taking part in the programme this year, and notes the Opotiki College team really stood out from the beginning.

Opotiki College teacher in charge of the group Debbie McKillop says she was over the moon with her student's success.

The team are now preparing to take part on the national competition to be held in Wellington on December 6. The team will go up against teams from around the country with an opportunity to win big money to further their businesses. One well deserving team will be awarded the overall Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Company of the Year award.

The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme continues in 2017 with events and opportunities for years 11-13. An E-Day for prospective students wanting to find out more about the programme will be held at Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi on March 2, 2017.

The scheme is delivered in the Eastern Bay by the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce and is supported by generous sponsors Legacy Accountants and the Beacon Business and Leisure Show.