A NORTH-EAST initiative to support and encourage female entrepreneurs has been picked as a shining example to the rest of the country.

Women Into the Network (Win), at Durham University, was picked as the best practice initiative in the UK for promoting female entrepreneurship, following a survey commissioned by the European Union.

The survey looked at initiatives across the continent, and analysed support for start-up businesses, funding, training, mentoring, information, advice and consultancy and networking.

Across Europe, 132 initiatives were identified as potential success stories. Ten in the UK fulfilled the criteria and Win was picked as an example of good practice.

As a result, Win represented the country at the European Forum on Female Entrepreneurship, in Brussels, which was attended by countries from across Europe.

Win, which is supported by the Foundation for Small and Medium Enterprise Developments, has helped create more than 500 jobs in businesses owned by women.

Dinah Bennett, programme director for the foundation said: "This award is a fantastic recognition for the support mechanisms, networking opportunities and women-owned businesses we have set up in the past four years."