THE search for Tees Valley's best young businesses draws to a close tomorrow when the winner of the Shell Live Wire Young Business Start-Up awards is announced.

The competition is for young people aged 16 to 30 who have started their own business.

Stockton Borough Council is hosting this year's event at the Arc in Stockton with Mayor Pete Andrew presenting the £1,000 prize.

Seven businesses have been short-listed for the award including JL Riddle Design Studio in Stockton and Michael's Bakery in Darlington. The winner goes to the Northern Regional final in May.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton council's cabinet member for regeneration and development said: "The Live Wire awards are a marvellous way of encouraging young people into employment and setting up a business. They are a fantastic opportunity for young business people in the Tees Valley and I'm delighted that Stockton is hosting them this year.

"All the young entrepreneurs who have been short-listed are to be congratulated and will benefit from the experience and the publicity. I wish them every success for the future and it would be great is the national winner came from Tees Valley."