THE race to be crowned the entrepreneurs of tomorrow appeared to be turning into a twohorse race as the competition reached the half-way point.

With three of the six challenges completed, pupils from Framwellgate School remained runaway leaders of the Future Business Magnates 2007-8 competition.

It teams up schools from Durham City and Chester-le- Street areas with mentors from the world of business over nine months of intense competition to put their ideas to the test.

After playing their joker on the third challenge on the business location, the Durham Federation team have moved into second place, and the two teams at the top are now 100 points ahead of their nearest rivals, although the teams below have yet to play their jokers.

The Federation team is made up of former rivals, Durham Community Business College and winners of the inaugural competition, Fyndoune Community Business College, Lynda Dixon, from the Federation, who took part in last year's competition as part of the Fyndoune team, said: "The level of enthusiasm from all concerned never ceases to amaze me, and when you see what these 12 and 13-year-olds can achieve, it is stunning.

"We are having a great time and really value the skills and competencies that young people gain from being part of Future Business Magnates."

The team is mentored by the Indoor Markets Company, taking part in the competition for the first time.

Colin Wilkes, from the Markets Company, said: "I knew from previous reports that the teams really worked hard, but I must say I have been knocked out by the commitment of the whole structure around the team.

"To see 12-year-olds getting on the phone to businesses and asking about their company really does impress.

"They all bring their own individual style to the team, but all work very well to get the project moving on every time we meet."

The Federation team is keeping its business project secret, and would only say it was making soap from a local source.

All teams are now moving on to their next challenge - Advertise and Flog it - which should be complete by the end of next month.

Future Business Magnates is sponsored by The Northern Echo, City of Durham Council, Lafarge and Yorkshire Bank.

Youn can follow the progress of the competition at .thenorthern echo.co.uk