Just under £600,0000 has been made available to extend a business and enterprise project which encourages young entrepreneurs in the North East of England to create their own businesses.

"Our main objective is to help young people develop an entrepreneurial culture and raise aspirations for self employment," said David Beavis, the Prince's Trust North East regional director.

"We are achieving this by providing access to finance for young entrepreneurs starting a business and skills development opportunities for those considering it."

The Prince's Trust North East has secured the money through regional development agency One North East and the European Regional Development Fund.