A 55-MINUTE film documenting the roller coaster ride of 12 would-be entrepreneurs as they follow their dream of starting a business has had its premire.

Enterprise Island - The Documentary hit the big screen for the first time at a private showing for all those involved.

The stars of the show, including Wendy Scott from Guisborough and Martyn King from Darlington, were out in force for the screening, which took place at the Gala Theatre in Durham and showed the real-life highs and lows of being an entrepreneur.

David Smith, regional initiatives manager for One North-East, which organised the premire, explained: "This documentary is fascinating as it shows the human perspective to starting a business. We really wanted something that would show the impact of such a lifestyle change and the documentary certainly achieves this.

"It's a 'warts and all' film, which means it includes all the tears and laughter, not to mention tantrums, along the way!"

Enterprise Island was introduced by One North-East and the region's four Business Links back in February as part of an overall campaign to get more people to consider self-employment.

The challenge took 12 people off the street and, through a series of tasks, residential weekends and mentoring, taught them the skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

Although not all the Islanders have gone ahead immediately with their business idea, the challenge has still been extremely successful.

Enterprise Island creator Iain Scott commented: "When we launched Enterprise Island we set out to prove the theory that entrepreneurs are made, not born. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone can start a business with the right help, support and guidance and I think this is something we have succeeded in doing.

"The aim was to get the Islanders to a point where they had the ability, skills and knowledge to set up a business. It was then up to each individual to make the decision about whether self employment was right for them at that particular moment.

"It's intriguing to see who has actually gone ahead with their businesses and who has chosen not to - and for what reasons. The documentary makes truly captivating viewing."

Following the screening, the film will be distributed to the regional Business Links and shown at universities and enterprise events across the region to inspire others to start a business.