A FORMER youth worker who set up a social enterprise business following redundancy believes she can be an inspiration to others in her position.

Gill Walker, 55, of Darlington, has used nearly 30 years of experience in the public sector to set up her business, Patchwork People, which is creating what she calls “a young person’s shop with a difference”.

The store concept, called Labelled, will be road-tested on market stalls across the region, before moving into permanent premises.

The outlet will be run by young people for young people, selling fashion and accessories and showcasing the work of young designers.

It will also offer a place for young people to chat, have a coffee and receive guidance about a wide range of issues.

Ms Walker said: “The young people are going to be the decision makers.”

Ms Walker and Cathi Harrison, from ParaSols, a financial planning business, are going head-to-head to be crowned winner of the If We Can, You Can Challenge, run by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which celebrates emerging businesses in the region.

For more details, visit ifwe canyoucan.co.uk before Sunday.

To vote, text Vote, followed by the name of your chosen finalist, to 07624-803199.

Texts will be charged at normal network rates. Alternatively, people can vote at ifwecanyoucan.co.uk/challenge