An ecologically friendly gastro-guide which combines recipes and information from the best eating establishments in North Yorkshire has already won accolades for pupils from Ampleforth College.

Phoenix was named the Young Enterprise North Yorkshire Company of the Year and Yorkshire and Humber Company of the Year, which took it to the Young Enterprise National Finals this July. It also won best trade stand at York’s Venturefest in May.

Now the company is looking for success in the Fledgling Business Of The Year and the Young Entrepreneur Of The Year categories at The Press Business Awards 2013.

Teacher Jessica Stannard says the youngsters came up with a truly innovative product and the five-strong team is totally committed, full of enthusiasm, with lots of ideas for the creative use of new technology. She says: “The Phoenix Gastro Guide showcases eateries and recipes that support locally-sourced and seasonal produce. The pupils were keen to encourage the reduction of impact on the environment through fewer imported foodstuffs which have a reduced carbon footprint.

“Phoenix has capitalised on the nation’s growing obsession with food and people’s ambitions to re-create restaurant standard dishes in their own homes. Their guide is eminently suitable for adapting to other regions and has also been developed into an i-book to further lessen environmental impact.”