AS a contest to find the young entrepreneurs of tomorrow reaches the halfway point, the competition becomes ever closer.

Early runaway leaders Framwellgate School, Durham, have had their lead pegged back in the Future Business Magnates competition to only 11 points by Easington Community Science College, who jumped from tenth place to second after playing their joker and scoring double points for the Our Location round.

Meanwhile, St Leonard's RC jumped from seventh to third - only 36 points offthe pace - while Northern Irish guest competitors, Bangor Academy, leapt from 11th place up to fourth, after also using their joker.

Colin Wilkes, managing director of Durham Markets Company, and mentor for St Leonard's, said he has seen the team develop week by week as the nine-month competition reaches the halfway point.

He said: "The team has made great strides in progressing the business and have very quickly got to grips with all of the different components of making a business work.

"It is good to see them in one of the top positions and I think we will keep the enthusiasm going until the awards night in July."

All the teams are now working hard on the next challenge -Advertise and Flog It - when their ability to market and promote the business will be tested.

The competition, now in its fourth year, was initially open to schools in Durham City and Chester-le-Street, but this year has been extended to two schools from Easington and one guest competitor from Northern Ireland.

Twelve teams, each backed by amentor from the business world, are competing over six challenges involved in setting up a firm, including location, advertising and finance.

The competition culminates with the final challenge - a gruelling 20-minute Dragons Den-style presentation in front of three top business people from the Durham area.

The overall winner of the competition will be announced at an awards night, to be held at the Ramside Hall Hotel, in Durham City, in July.

League Table - After Round Three

1.Framwellgate School Durham - 447*
2.Easington Community Science College - 436*
3.St Leonard's Catholic School - 411*
4.Bangor Academy and Community College - 379*
5.Hermitage School - 319
6. Durham Federation - 314
7. Durham Johnston - 312
8. Belmont School Community Arts College - 309
9. Roseberry Sports and Community College - 308
10. Park View Community School - 304
11. Seaham School of Technology - 288
12. Durham High School For Girls - 242*
* Joker played