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

Twenty-year-old Marcia Norton, of Barnard Castle, has run her beauty therapy salon in Galgate in the town for three years and employs three people, including her parents.

She will be on a panel of judges who will choose ten people from Teesdale to become 'islanders' for a 12-week intensive programme to help them set up their businesses.

Entrants will have five minutes to impress the judges with their idea, or their aptitude to be an entrepreneur.

Supported by Teesdale Market Towns Initiative, the selection process is open to everyone. Entrants are asked to call the Teesdale Enterprise Agency on (01833) 696600, or turn up between 1.30pm and 9pm, on Wednesday, at Enterprise House, Barnard Castle.

Marcia said: "My advice to anyone thinking of setting up a business is 'go for it'. I can understand people feeling nervous, but with support of family or friends, I am sure they will find it really rewarding."