A group of teenagers who wrote, illustrated and produced their own children's book are looking to build on the success of their company. Having won the ultimate accolade at the Oxfordshire Young Enterprise Awards, the 18-strong team of sixth formers from Oxford High School will compete in the regional finals of the competition on Wednesday.

The girls formed their company last autumn and came up with the idea for the book, Jinx the Magical Cat, aimed at seven to 12-year-olds.

They overcame strong opposition from dozens of similar companies around the county to become the Oxfordshire Young Enterprise Company of the Year.

Joint managing director Christiane Pearson, 17, from Botley, said: "We really didn't think we were going to win, but it feels really good.

"We have learned so much about running a business and working as a team, but it has been a lot of fun as well."

The company, also known as Jinx, sold the book at local shops, including Borders in Oxford, and also won the Oxford Mail award for best use of publicity, with frequent appearances in the newspaper, and managing to take part in a BBC Radio 4 programme.

And although Young Enterprise rules state the company must be liquidated at the end of the year, the directors are hoping to produce another book in the near future.

Andrew Daly, marketing director of Cowley-based Unipart Automotive, said: "We were most impressed with the attitude and dedication to the work done."