SCHOOLS and colleges in Darlington are taking a lead from some of the borough's biggest companies in a scheme which teaches them about business and helps them gain qualifications.

Darlington Partnership is linking up with the Youth Enterprise Programme for its initiative, which will see youngsters running their own com- panies.

Students involved, who will be aged 15 to 19, can also take a recognised voluntary exam equivalent to two GCSEs.

Each school or college will elect pupils as a board of directors, raise share capital and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.

At the end of the year, they liquidate the company and present a report and accounts.

The Young Enterprise Programme (YEP) was formed in 1963 to help young people gain experience of how businesses work. The latest project, the Young Enterprise Company Programme, starts in September.

Young enterprise coordinator Tarryn Lloyd Payne said it was hoped the scheme would "make the entrepreneurs of tomorrow think about tomorrow, and to stay in the North-East".

Already, Darlington College of Technology, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, Carmel RC Technology College, Polam Hall, Hurworth House School, and Branksome, Eastbourne and Haughton comprehensives have been encouraged to take part.

Two volunteer business advisors will work with each team, acting as mentors and guides.

These will come from firms around the town. Orange, Farmway, Magnet, FR Aviation, Trees Park and Barclays will take part.

Each group will be supported by a link teacher as well as the advisors.

Rumana Ramzan, general manager of the Darlington Partnership, said they wanted to encourage entrepreneurship from young people as they left school.

Any other companies or schools that want to take part in the initiative can telephone Mr Lloyd Payne on 07866 581815 or e-mail Yecoordinatornts' objections. Midd