GLASGOW University proved to be top of the class in a competition for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Students took first and second places at the Scottish Institute for Enterprise's Business Plan Competition.

And organisers of the event took the opportunity to praise the university for creating a culture that supports creative thinking.

The awards aim to give undergraduates and graduates a better understanding of how a business operates.

Red Button Design - run by James Brown, Nicky Pang and Amanda Jones - took top honours and a winners cheque for £16,000.

The group impressed the judges with their reverse osmosis sanitation system.

Their product is a water sanitation, transport and storage device specifically tailored to suit tough conditions in developing countries.

ROSS enables individuals to collect water from the nearest source, contaminated or not, and sanitise for drinking or bathing use.

Sharon Bamford, chief executive of the SIE, said: "We are delighted at Glasgow University's success, that a student enterprise is flourishing, and that an ancient institution - which is often seen as traditional not as engaged in the entrepreneurial agenda - is leading the way."

Sounds Good Advertising, led by Sam Mehuex was runner-up, receiving £9000 for its audio/visual light box.

Sam has devised an innovative audio/visual light box unit which allows any member of the public to use mp3 headphones to interact with brands by listening to advertisements and information when they want.

As well as offering images and Bluetooth interactivity the light box benefits the environment by offering an alternative to fly posting.

It was the second honour in as many weeks for Sam who was a runner-up at the Biggart Baillie Innovation Awards at the Glasgow Science centre a fortnight ago.

Greig Sinclair, student enterprise manager at the University of Glasgow, said: "It is wonderful both Red Button and Sounds Good have continued our outstanding level of success in the SIE awards.

"It is further proof the University of Glasgow develops the most innovative and entrepreneurial students in Scotland."

It's the third year that a University of Glasgow business that took the first prize in the undergraduate category.