STUDENTS at an Oxford school are tackling prejudice one page at a time, by retelling popular children's stories with a twist.

A group of teenagers at Oxford High School are producing their own book series based on fairytales and Disney films, adapted to promote feminism and combat racism and homophobia.

The project is part of the Young Enterprise competition, which challenges school pupils across the country to come up with their own business idea.

Five sixth-formers at Oxford High School in Summertown dreamt up the books in a bid to open up conversation from a young age, and raise awareness about different types of people.

Islip teenager Joana Baptista, one of the book's creators, said: "We want to make positive change and reverse prejudice.

“All of us in the group somehow fit into a different minority and have all experienced prejudice against us.

“It’s taking something like a fairytale and making it something everyone can relate, so the character isn’t always skinny or white or in distress.”

The books will focus on LGBT awareness, feminism, disability and racism, retelling stories including Rapunzel.

Miss Baptista, 16, added: “Our endings are purposefully subtle, to allow parents to make the decision between encouraging conversation or leaving them as friends, while exposing the variety of different ways people choose to live their lives.”

Last year Joana, who has already turned her hand to two other business ventures, was named 'young achiever of the year' by Women of the Future.

She and her four colleagues, aged between 16 and 17, have have set up a company called Zest to produce the books.

The team collectively writes the words then one of the team hand-draws illustrations and digitally manipulates them.

The first book is an LGBT take on The Princess and the Frog.

Zest got in touch with high-profile LGBT rights campaigners to promote the book and gain feedback, including legendary Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen, who visited the school to take a talk in November.

Prominent human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell sent the girls a response praising the book, stating: “[This is] a charming, beautifully illustrated story about how good comes to those who keep their promises, and how love can happen in unexpected ways.”

For details visit zestco.online.