Nine families in County Durham took part in a small business idea competition last weekend, it has emerged.

The contest was part of the What's Yours project, sponsored by Business Link, which aims to help would-be entrepreneurs with company formation and development.

An idea to provide free internet service to schools was judged the winner of Saturday's Dragons' Den-style competition, the Northern Echo reports.

Deborah Johnson, one of the judges, told the publication: "It is a real endorsement that this region is brimming with talent and offers encouragement to anyone who has a business idea to be brave enough to give it a try."

The project also includes a forum for business advice, held each Wednesday at a location in County Durham, and a Saturday event aimed at educating families about entrepreneurial possibilities.

Case studies of individuals aided by Business Link include a jewellery designer who has grown his small enterprise over the past six months and a woman who set up her own successful bistro in the Wear Valley.