Finalists were whittled down from nearly 17,000 entrants from 350 schools after an initial first phase selection to 21 finalists - three for each of the seven categories.

The shortlist was decided upon by a panel of print industry executives, The Fairtrade Foundation and Proskills for workbooks submitted by students covering the categories including 'Best Use of Materials' and 'Best Understanding of Environmental Concerns'.

Proskills general manager Tim Bowtell said: "Once again, the impressive number of students that registered this year continues to reflect the huge commitment and enthusiasm that pupils throughout the UK have for the PrintIT! concept.

Canon UK professional print channel director and PrintIT! chairman Wayne Barlow said: "These young people, and others like them, are the future of our industry and certainly the level of interest and determination shown by those entering the [competition] has been very encouraging."

Winners will be announced on 12 May at Northprint which takes place in Harrogate 10-12 May.