A PROJECT helping North-East women make the most of their business ideas has won a European award.

Women Into the Network (WIN), based at the University of Durham, has been selected as the UK's best practice initiative for promoting female entrepreneurship by a European Union-commissioned survey.

The scheme is run by the Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development. It aims to raise awareness, promote business development, share best practice and encourage and inspire women entrepreneurs in the region.

Activities and projects include an online service, quarterly newsletter, role-model publications, research into provision of business support for women, workshops and events.

Dinah Bennett, programme director for the foundation said: "Research has shown that women face a number of difficulties in establishing and maintaining businesses which often are more significant for female entrepreneurs than for males.

"This award is a fantastic recognition for the support mechanisms, networking opportunities and women-owned businesses we have set up in the last four years."

For more information, contact 0191-334 5502, or visit the website, www.networkingwomen.co.uk