A YOUTH enterprise scheme run by the Prince’s Trust has been awarded £75,000 to help young people in the North East start their own businesses.

The County Durham Community Foundation has given the grant in support of The Prince’s Trust’s Enterprise programme in County Durham and Darlington over the next three years.

The scheme helps young people interested in self-employment to explore and test their ideas, write plans and start their own businesses.

Since its launch in 1983, the Enterprise Programme has helped 80,000 young people to set up businesses across the UK.

The £75,000 grant was made possible after a donation from County Durham Community Foundation supporters Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, who have a keen interest in skills and opportunity initiatives in the region. Andy Farley, senior head of private sector fundraising for The Prince’s Trust, said: “There is enormous potential for the Enterprise programme in County Durham and Darlington, which suffers from high levels of youth unemployment.

“Many of these young people have sound business ideas but need the guidance and support provided by the Trust to bring their ideas to fruition.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ruffers and County Durham Community Foundation for their continued support, which will go directly towards helping young people into business.”

To find out more about the grants offered by County Durham Community Foundation visit cdcf.org.uk or call 0191-378-6340.