TWO aspiring entrepreneurs who embarked on an unusual challenge are well on their way to realising their dreams.

Twelve people signed up to take part in Enterprise Island, an initiative launched by One NorthEast, which aims to show how anyone can set up a business with the right help and advice.

The chosen group is now more than half-way through the 12-week challenge.

Six weeks ago, Wendy Scott from Guisborough, east Cleveland, did not even have a business idea but impressed the judges with her optimism and enthusiasm.

Now she has resigned from her marketing job, is in the process of setting up an event management company and has won her first contract organising a charity ball for the Lavender Trust.

Tim Leadbitter, of Newton Aycliffe, near Darlington, discovered a gap in the market after becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of good quality and affordable furniture and equipment available for his disabled daughter, Sophie.

He said: "I have already developed a company name, designed my business stationery and I am in the process of setting up a website. I have also built a workshop in the garden to manufacture product prototypes."

All Enterprise Island finalists are preparing to present their business plans to some of the region's must successful entrepreneurs to test out the viability and sustainability of their ventures.