BUSINESSES across Darlington and Teesside have benefitted from a Government mentor scheme.

More than 350 mentors are working in the region, offering advice and support to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The scheme, part of the Government's Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative, has seen 15,000 volunteer business mentors taken on across the UK in the Get Mentoring project.

James Wharton, Conservative MP for Stockton South, said: “This is great news for small businesses, entrepreneurs and everyone thinking about setting up on their own in Teesside and Darlington.

“Mentors offer businesses and entrepreneurs the support they can need to take the next step by helping them to start up, grow and create jobs.”