GIRLS from four Inverclyde schools are battling it out with rivals across Scotland in a contest to prove they can be the next leaders of the investment industry.

Students from Clydeview Academy, Inverclyde Academy, St Columba’s High and St Stephen’s High School are among over 70 teams taking part in the Growing Future Assets Competition, designed to nurture a future generation of female investment experts.

Financial educators Future Asset are challenging a total of 320 girls, divided into teams of 13-18-year-olds, to research, analyse and pitch a company they think will be a great long-term investment.

The youngsters are paired with a mentor from an investment company to provide advice, inspiration and career insights and have the chance to attend online masterclasses.

Experts from journalism and business are also advising the teenagers and the teams will present their case in a research report and three-minute pitch this week.

The top teams will then deliver an extended pitch to judges at the final in March next year, with a £1,000 top prize up for grabs.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by the schools, the teachers and all the investment experts who have come forward to mentor the teams."