Businesses in the region have been going back to school to help nurture tomorrow's leaders.

Following recent concerns over educational standards and lack of skills among school leavers, more than 35 firms attended the North-east Chamber of Commerce's "Business Back to School" programme at Tanfield School in County Durham.

The initiative, to encourage businesses to put something back into the education systems, was organised in conjunction with County Durham Business and Learning Partnership to help raise standards among school leavers.

Businesses attending the meeting heard from educationalists, students and other companies already working together about the benefits of the scheme.

Rachel Spence, head of policy at the North-East Chamber, said: "Members of the Chamber recently voted education and skills shortages to be their number one concern and the Business back to School programme is a constructive way of trying to raise standards."

Business liaison co-ordinator at the Business and Learning Partnership, Patrick Brennan, added: "The aim of the programme is to develop closer links between schools and local businesses.

"Although some may not realise it, employers have a great deal to offer and often benefit themselves from linking up with local schools.

"By providing volunteers to act as mentors they can also help raise pupils self confidence and aspirations and make them ready for the world of work."

For further information about the Business back to School programme contact Emma Forster at the North-east Chamber of Commerce on (0191) 386 1133.