A special event designed to encourage people to start their own business is taking place at a shopping centre on Saturday.

The Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, in Hartlepool, is hosting the roadshow, which has been organised by a group of agencies and support networks.

It will provide an opportunity for people to talk to business advisors and those who have already established successful companies.

Andrea Miles of Brougham Enterprise Centre in Hartlepool, has organised the event.

She said: "It is great to have so many support agencies represented, as well as existing businesses to offer advice and encouragement. It really couldn't be easier to see if your dreams could turn into reality of starting your own business with all the help you will need in one place at one time".

The roadshow will take place from 9am to 5pm, and there will be two competitions taking place throughout the day with special prizes.

The Middleton Grange shopping centre is offering six months free rental in a unit in the centre's Market Hall and Smart-Idea.co.uk will provide an existing company with the use of a Smart car for a month to advertise the company.

Other organisations taking part in the event include Hartlepool Borough Council, Business Link Tees Valley and Enterprising Hartlepool. For more information about the event contact Miss Miles on (01429) 867677.