ONE of Teesdale's youngest entrepreneurs is encouraging other young people to become their own boss through a competitive business start-up challenge, the Enterprise Island.

Marcia Norton, 20, has run her own successful beauty therapy salon in Galgate, Barnard Castle, for three years and now employs three people, including her parents.

She has agreed to join a panel of judges who will select ten people from Teesdale to become "islanders" for a 12-week programme to help them set up in businesses.

Those going before the panel will have five minutes to impress the judges with their idea, or their aptitude to be a successful entrepreneur.

Supported by Teesdale Market Towns Initiative, the selection process is open to all. Those interested should ring Teesdale Enterprise Agency on 01833 696600 to book a five minute slot, or simply turn up on Wednesday at Enterprise House, Barnard Castle, when the panel runs from 1.30-9pm.

"My advice to anyone thinking of setting up a business is 'go for it'. I can understand people feeling nervous but, with the support of family or friends I am sure they will find it really rewarding," said Miss Norton, whose ambition is to own a health spa.

Iain Scott, who created and developed the Enterprise Island idea, will run the programme, which offers £4,000-worth of expert advice per person; one-to-one mentoring; an intensive three-day fun action learning session, and ongoing support from Teesdale Enterprise Agency. There will also be residential courses at the Morrit Arms, Greta Bridge, and Slaley Hall in Northumberland.

David McKnight, of the Market Towns Initiative, is helping with the project and said it offered young people in Teesdale a unique chance to shape their own future, and that of the Dales. "People can take great inspiration from Marcia's example," he said. "To run your own successful business at only 20 is an amazing achievement."

One North-East is also supporting Enterprise Island for the second year running.

The challenge is supported by the Princes Trust, Teesdale District Council, North Pennines Leader-plus and NEDL in Teesdale.