Young people in part of Hampshire will be offered free help and advice on how to set up their own business.

The four-day course offers business skills training, start-up loan funding, access to specialist support and free ongoing support from a volunteer mentor.

It has been set up by Test Valley Borough Council in collaboration with the Prince's Trust, Youth In Romsey and Romsey Chamber Of Commerce.

The Enterprise Programme is open to 20 people aged between 18 and 30 who are unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week. They take up their places from January 15 to 18 at The Romsey School, in Hampshire.

Nick Giles, programme manager for enterprise and awards for the Prince's Trust, said: "We have worked with Test Valley Borough Council over a number of years and we are delighted to be involved with this latest initiative in assisting the residents of Test Valley to explore their business ideas."

Councillor Peter Giddings, the authority's economic portfolio holder, said: "More people are self employed today than ever before and that trend seems likely to continue.

"The council has been helping new businesses for many years with grants and expert advice. It therefore makes perfect sense to work with the Prince's Trust to help young people in Romsey develop the skills they need to start their own business."

For further details about the course, email Amanda.Hewlett@princes-trust.org.uk.