A Malvern teacher has received a Young Enterprise award in recognition of his 18 years service to the charity.

John Palmer, faculty leader for business and IT at The Chase, was given the Young Enterprise Link teacher of the year prize after spending nearly two decades as adviser, link teacher and board member.

This year, The Chase's Young Enterprise company Vesuvius reached the Herefordshire and Worcestershire finals.

The year 12 team was made up of Callum Gray, Billy Franks, Jack Loudon, Jane Harris, Bekie Humphries, Joe Taylor, Chris Steventon, Andy Daley, Dan Minski, Jonah Pickering, Tom Mather, Grace Williams, Cameron Lewis, James Larkins-Stacey, Matt Haydon, Angus Duncan, Emma Turner, and Frankie Griffin.

They sold an innovative range of planters under the Treetops brand, locally made chutney under the MalvernMade brand and a Malvern calendar.

At the final held at County Hall on Thursday, May 8, the students presented a report on their Young Enterprise experience, gave a business presentation and answered questions from a panel of judges.

The group were rated as one of the top ten companies in the two counties.

Mr Palmer said: "I am delighted to receive this accolade, and I would also like to thank QinetiQ for all their support in delivering Young Enterprise at The Chase this year.

"The students have developed a range of useful skills vital for success such as teamwork, finance and communication.

"Young Enterprise brings the boardroom to the classroom and such experience is the key to the UK ‘s economic recovery and future prosperity.”