A BUSINESS idea by enterprising teenagers looks set to help shine a spotlight on thousands of young musicians across the region.

Small Print was set up by seven students from St Leonard's RC School in Durham City, after they realised there was nowhere for young rock bands to perform.

Their business model for promoting bands and arranging concerts proved so successful that the group is in talks with The Sage music centre in Gateshead, over plans to roll it out across the North-East.

Managing director Catherine Brown, 15, said: "There are clubs for young people who like dance music, but nothing of good quality for those who like rock music."

The youngsters are being mentored by entrepreneur Paul Smith of Third Eye, based at Low Willington, who brought the idea to The Sage.

The group has put expansion plans on hold until after its members have finished taking exams.

The proposals with the Sage are for a four-year project, aimed at fostering talent in 14 to 18-year-olds.

The company already has a website, selling CDs of North-East bands and its own line of merchandise.

It was formed as an entry for the Young Enterprise competition, and won the County Durham finals at the end of April.

They beat six other teams: Shioto Crafts of Durham Johnston School; Woodham Crew and Forte Expressions, of Woodham Community Technical College in Newton Aycliffe; and Emporia, Charisma and Limited Availability, of Framwellgate School, Durham.

Small Print will represent the county in the regional finals, taking place later this year.

Mandy Riches, of Young Enterprise, said: "I think Small Print will continue with their business and be very successful with it."

Chris Hind, teacher at St Leonard's, who mentored the group, said: "I am very proud of the group and what it has achieved."