Pendle Vale students create radio ads for Pendle Business Awards 2010

Working in teams they created fresh and dynamic commercials at radio station Rock FM.

Pendle Council and Pendle Vision, organisers of the Business Awards, will choose their favourite ad and use it on air to encourage businesses to apply.

The pupils experienced what it's like to work in a fast-paced advertising environment when they wrote and recorded their adverts on January 11.

Dennis Mendoros, OBE, DL, FRAeS, Chairman of Pendle Vision and Managing Director of Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd, said:

"We're really keen to make sure that our young people gain vital experience, life-skills and qualifications which will help them get jobs later in life.

"And working with Rock FM to invest in the talent and creativity of local students was an opportunity we couldn't miss out on.

"We're really looking forward to hearing both adverts today.

"I'm sure they'll be excellent but we'll be using our favourite one to raise the profile of this year's Awards."

Stuart Heaton, Education Account Manager for Rock FM, added: "The students from Pendle Vale College created two excellent commercials.

"They were put under the same pressures which our creative team are under every day, so they had very little time to script, produce and voice them.

"We'd like to thank Pendle Vision and Pendle Council for providing this opportunity for the students. I'm sure it's given them a deeper understanding of how a business operates."

Julie Sutcliffe, Year 8 Progress and Development Leader for Pendle Vale College, said: "Our students were really excited about learning new skills, particularly in the media, and they all did really well.

"They had a fabulous day out and experienced new skills - we're all very proud of what they've achieved.

"The experience will stay with them a long time. A big thanks to Rock FM who were fantastic with our students!"

Pendle Business Awards 2010 aim to recognise the borough's innovative local companies which despite the pressures of the recession are still flourishing.

This year's ceremony will be held at the Arts, Culture and Enterprise (ACE) Centre in Nelson on Friday April 23.

Businesses can now apply for awards online on http://www.pendle.gov.uk/ or http://www.pendlevision.org/ until February 5.

Councillor Allan Buck, who has responsibility for Economic Development, said: "We want to make sure we recognise the best of Pendle's companies, so if you have something to shout about, we want to hear from you.

"This time we have 11 categories to choose from and you can enter all the awards that you fit the criteria for.

"Winners will receive a Pendle - an elegant glass and metal sculpture inspired by Pendle Hill, engraved with their name and the award category. And all shortlisted businesses will receive a framed certificate."

For more information on Pendle Business Awards 2010 click here.