Students from four post-primary schools in Mid and East Antrim presented proposals to increase footfall in local town centres during a council challenge. The event involved teams of up to six students from Slemish College, Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House Grammar School and Larne Grammar School.

Organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Town Centre Team, the challenge required students to address recent declines in town centre activity and suggest events or initiatives to attract visitors.

Judges from the council assessed entries on creativity, impact, feasibility and presentation. Teams from Cambridge House Grammar School in Ballymena and Larne Grammar School in Larne took top spots.

Proposals covered night markets, cultural festivals, themed events, outdoor cinema screenings, indoor markets with international foods, activity centres and a shopper rewards app linked to local businesses.

Other ideas featured rotating display pods for local artists and entrepreneurs. Mayor Councillor Jackson Minford stated that the students displayed imagination and confidence, with proposals that showed potential to shape vibrant town centres.

Council officials aim to run similar initiatives to foster entrepreneurial skills among young people.