It is a case of move over Richard Branson for a group of enterprising pupils as they take on the big guns at a European trade fair.

Fortis, headed up by 15 Surbiton High School students, are among just five Young Enterprise companies who have been chosen to travel to Zurich for an international fair at the end of March.

The 16 and 17 year old girls raised £400 start up capital by holding fundraiser dinners and quiz nights with family and friends at the school.

The budding tycoons then set about researching, designing and marketing their new product- a mobile phone that also stores oyster cards.

Fortis managing director Lucy Plenberleith, 17, said it was an "absolute honour" to be chosen to represent Kingston at the fair.

She said: "We are so proud to be representing the royal borough and the UK at this fair. It has been a team effort but we have had a lot of support from family, friends at Surbiton High School.

They are now waiting on 200 cases ordered from a factory in Hong Kong before they can put their business plan into action.

Deputy managing director Serena Lesini, 16, said: "There was a little bit of problems as not many people at the factory spoke good English. It has been a long process but with the first round of production due to be complete in mid February we are ready to go."

For more information about Fortis visit keepyouroystersafe.com