A team of pupils from an East Ayrshire school have been named winners of the annual Sir Tom Hunter Challenge.

The challenge sees the entrepreneur challenge students to come up with ideas for products, innovations or businesses of the future.

Loudoun Academy scooped the top prize after delivering a very professional and polished businesses pitch for their company, 3D Me.

Recognised for having a real, operational business within a growth market, Team Loudoun received a trophy from Sir Tom and a prize of £5000.

They have also been offered support from Sir Tom and the expert panel of judges to take their business forward.

Second place went to St Matthews Academy's team, UNiQUE, who received £3000 for their interactive personality test for primary school pupils.

Sir Tom Hunter, entrepreneur and philanthropist said: "Ayrshire's young people have again stepped up to the mark creating business ideas that any entrepreneur would be proud of and I congratulate them all.

"We need to redouble our efforts to engage all young people in the world of work and educate them for a world that is changing at an unparalleled pace - teachers can't bear all the burden of this, business must play its role and I'd recommend all Ayrshire businesses sign up to Founders4Schools to do just that."

Leader of East Ayrshire Council, councillor Douglas Reid, said: "I am incredibly proud of our young people from Loudoun Academy who showed great maturity and confidence to win the grand final of the Sir Tom Hunter Challenge and to Cumnock Academy who took third place.

"Our teams pitched viable business ideas in a passionate way. They engaged the judges and the audience with their excellent presentations which were well researched and developed.

He said: "Engagement with business is a key priority for our Council and is now securely embedded in the school curriculum. Our vision is to ensure that every pupil will develop the skills and abilities for a successful career.

"Above all, we want to foster in our young people that vital 'can-do' attitude and positive mindset. Events like this clearly show what a talented pool of young entrepreneurs we have in East Ayrshire."