A BUSINESS mentor has received an MBE for services to small and medium-sized enterprises and the community in the North-East.

As a business advisor at North Tyneside Business Factory, Janice Ross, 50, from Burnhope, she has mentored numerous entrepreneurs in the region.

A key member of the National Women’s Network since 2002, she was Regional North-East chairwoman before taking on the role of National Chairwoman between 2012-17.

She is the treasurer of the Burnhope Community Partnership, runs the Burnhope Partnership Facebook page and writes the Burnhope Wheel, a local newsletter.

She co-wrote and produced the 2018 Heritage Edition of The Burnhope Wheel, which celebrates the refurbishment of The Burnhope War Memorial.

As co-founder of Take Away The Tears, she works on their big main fundraising event, the annual dog-show which raises money to rehome rescue dogs from Cyprus.

In 2012 she won an Award at The Durham Business Group’s 30th Anniversary Awards’ event for her outstanding contribution to Business Networking.

As a mentor for the Prince’s Trust she helped young people going into business and

was invited to the Palace Garden Party in 2006.

She is on the management committee of The Baby Equipment Loan Service and Toy Library in North Tyneside which provides essential baby, safety equipment and educational items to families on low incomes.

Ms Ross said: "I am a bit overwhelmed and shocked, but very pleased."