TWO pupils from Cullompton, whose enterprising skills impressed TV 'Dragon' Peter Jones last year, are leading a fundraising campaign for community groups.

Kayley Vincent, 13, and Jennifer Land, 12, will share their expertise with fellow Cullompton Community College pupils after winning the Best Group Return Category in the Make Your Mark with a Tenner scheme 2009.

They made a £507 profit by selling a cookbook in aid of the Walronds Preservation Trust from an initial £10 investment. And the school's deputy principal, Amanda Farmer, has asked the pair to give advice to fellow students taking part in the same project this year.

Multi-millionaire Peter Jones, better known for making investments on the BBC programme, Dragon's Den, supports the contest which challenges youngsters to devise creative proceed-boosting ideas to benefit charitable organisations.

The Exeter Road college specialises in business and enterprise, and Mrs Farmer said the number of entrants had increased ten-fold.

She said: "Nearly 200 students have applied for a £10 loan this year and Kayleigh, Jennifer and our Young Chamber of Commerce are managing the project to help teams make as much as possible.

"Students have got loads of things in mind, including car washing, making and selling crafts and cakes, and holding talent shows.

"It was fantastic that Kayleigh and Jennifer won the prize with all their hard work last year, and it's fantastic that they will use their expertise from last year to bring on the next generation.

"We would love to win prizes again.

"It is extremely important to encourage students to make an effort, not for their own benefit, but for the wider community."

Mr Jones, chairman of Enterprise UK launched this year's scheme on March 1, and nearly 1,000 pupils across the county are taking part.

The competition is open to youngsters aged 19 and under, who need to make enough profit to return the initial £10 loan by the end of March.

Scott Cain, of Enterprise UK, said: "Make Your Mark with a Tenner is all about trusting young people to show their tenacity and entrepreneurial skills."

The college's young chamber are holding a fair on Friday, July 2.