THE North-East branch of the Prince's Trust has promoted one of its longest-serving employees for the fourth time.

Tracy Richardson, 33, who lives in Jarrow, started her career with the youth development trust 11 years ago in a secretarial role and has now been appointed business manager for Tyne and Wear.

In her role she will be spreading the word about self-starting business opportunities offered under the trust's business start-up programme.

Mrs Richardson, who has two young daughters, will have particular responsibility for Wearside, where she will help ensure that younger entrepreneurs of Sunderland are aware of self-employment choices available to them.