Hot pants, flares and platform boots may not be the attire of choice for teenagers in 2011 but earlier this month they helped a group of secondary pupils win a surprising fashion accolade.

The Renfrewshire pupils were taking part in The Recruit, an Apprentice- style competition held over the summer which sees 30 fifth and sixth-years taking on a series of business challenges with the hope of winning a job at the end.

Five Recruit teams were each given two days to organise a show in which they had to choreograph, style and model fashions from decades ranging from the 1950s to the 1990s - all on a budget of zero.

It culminated in three 10-minute fashion parades, staged during lunchtime in the bustling Piazza Shopping Centre in Paisley, with Team Endurance’s 70s-themed showcase coming out on top.

The teenagers had guidance from an expert panel consisting of a choreographer, hair stylist and fashion academic, before having to stage the show in front of them.

“It was a bit more interesting than some of the other challenges, because it was about putting on an event,” said Francesca Connelly, 17, a pupil at Gryffe High. “I’m interested in fashion and events management, so this is really good experience for me.”

The group was shown how to “walk, relax and be confident” by choreographer Susanne Neil. “I got them to bring their own personalities to it,” she said.

Recruit is run by Renfrewshire Council with the support of local businesses. It aims to give young people practical experience and advice on starting a career in business.