BOLTON'S Young Enterprise Scheme is seeking volunteer business advisers who can help young entrepreneurs run their own companies in local schools.

The educational charity aims to develop vital business skills such as communication, team work, decision-making and others needed by today's employers.

Motivated young people from high schools, colleges and special schools run weekly meetings after school.

They make key business decisions on such matters as what to make and sell, functional directors, marketing and advertising campaigns, selling shares and bank accounts.

The young entrepreneurs gain an NVQ level two qualification and the chance to present their business story at a presentation evening in March attended by sponsoring companies.

The local scheme needs new volunteers to pass on their skills, expertise and enthusiasm.

Young Enterprise Development manager Chris Fletcher said: "Volunteer advisers gain a tremendous amount from investing just an hour and a half each week from September to April."

Mr Fletcher, who previously worked for NatWest for 16 years, took over the Young Enterprise job from Charlotte Chadwick in August.

He is married with two children and lives in Standish, Wigan.

Mr Fletcher went on: "I am pleased and excited to be taking over this role. The Government is putting greater emphasis on business in education and it is an ideal time for people to get involved with this fantastic programme."

He said: "We are seeking volunteers from all walks of life, business and social backgrounds, from clerical staff to senior managers.

Full training will be given and an evening event -- supported by the Ladybridge Hall Conference Centre in Bolton -- will be held on September 18. Anybody interested can call Mr Fletcher on 01942 705750 or 07903 586168.