LAW firm Eversheds is supporting the Usworth Partnership, based in Washington, Wearside, with its enterprise programme to give an insight into commerce.

The scheme, run by Eversheds' Newcastle office, involves ten and 11-year-old children. Mentors act as "business dragons" during a business challenge.

The week-long programme challenges students from local schools to set up smoothie-making organisations, which requires the youngsters to do market research, design packaging and run marketing campaigns.

At the end of the week, students present their product and business idea to an assembled group of "business dragons" from organisations such as Eversheds, Sunderland's Gentoo, Washington Galleries and Sainsbury's.

Usworth Partnership director Laurence Bell said: "The programme offers a unique opportunity for students to experience how dynamic and enjoyable working on a real business project can be."