NORTH Lincolnshire's next generation of entrepreneurs is being invited to hone their business skills and develop the innovations which could shape the region's economic future.

The Young Enterprise scheme offers youngsters, aged between 15 and 19, the chance to launch and manage their own business under the "company programme".

The scheme, which will launch again in September, saw students from John Leggott College, North Lindsey College, St Lawrence Academy and Brigg Sixth Form taking part in the project.

A spokeswoman for Young Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber said the scheme brought great benefits for youngsters.

She said: "The scheme can give students skills for life and skills that can boost their employment potential.

"There's much more to the scheme than just running a business, it is about developing the right attitude, taking initiative and doing something they wouldn't normally have the chance to do within their curriculum.

"We would encourage as many students and schools as possible to come forward and get involved."

St Lawrence Academy's Platinum team won two awards for their company, which sold USB memory stick wristbands.

John Leggott College team, Man About A Dog, also went on to sell their plant pots at a special trade fair in Grimsby's Freshney Place shopping centre.

The competition sees teams of students compete at sub- regional, regional and national level to be named Young Enterprise Company Of The Year.

Students must raise share capital to finance their company, as well as designing and making a product or service to sell to the public.

Tony Gosling, cabinet member for children's services at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "As a parent I try and empower my own children to empower themselves through their own skills, and as cabinet member I would like students in our schools to be given the means to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

"Anything that has a positive impact on children and engages them will help them to forge their own future and in turn potentially create opportunities for others across North Lincolnshire.

"I would certainly encourage schools to take part in the young enterprise scheme and give our young people the skills that will allow them to thrive."

Taking part in the programme helps the students develop key skills and enterprise capability.

For more information on this year's Young Enterprise company programme scheme, call Stella Onyet, development manager for Young Enterprise Yorkshire and the Humber on 07917 85582 or e-mail stella. onyett@yeyh.org.uk