A COUNTY Durham school is hoping its quest to keep Durham tidy will win them the title of Future Business Magnates (FBM) 2009.

Belmont School Community Arts College has come up with a venture called Tidy To ps, a mesh that covers recycling boxes to stop spillage while waiting for collection.

Charlie Gabriel, 12, part of the Belmont team, has already seen the benefits of being involved in FBM.

He said: "We all have quickly become friends both in FBM and in the playground. We are all working very hard to make the business the best one this year. It has been very hard work, but fun at the same time."

Lisa Gibson, the teacher leading the team, said: "The team is very enthusiastic and have given up so much of their own time to complete the tasks.

"They have really gelled and are committed to succeeding in this competition."

FBM, which is supported by The Northern Echo, sees year eight pupils from 11 schools across the area - and guest school Bangor Academy, from Northern Ireland - take part in six challenges revolving around setting up a business, including location, advertising and finance.

The competition finishes with a Dragons Den-style presentation in front of three business people, with the winner being announced at an awards night at the Radisson Hotel in Durham City.

Schools and their mentors

Belmont School Community Arts College - JG Archibalds

Bangor Academy - Utopian Leisure Ltd

Durham High School for Girls - Prince Bishops Shopping Centre

Durham Johnston School - Radisson SAS Hotel

Durham Federation - Bramwells Jewellers .

Easington Community Science College - Poplar Tree Garden Centre/Brambledown Landscapes

Framwellgate School Durham -Event Durham, Durham University

Hermitage School - Mechplant North-East

Park View Community School - Marriott Royal County Hotel

Roseberry Sports and Community College - Nat West Bank

Seaham School of Technology - Durham Business Club

St Leonards Catholic School - Durham Markets Company

Roving Partner - STL Commercial Ltd