CHILDREN swapped the classroom for the boardroom to take part in an industry workshop.

More than 100 students from schools across Teesside took part in the Entrepreneurship Masterclass, at the BT Cellnet Riverside Stadium on Friday.

Run by Young Enterprise with backing from Trade Partners UK, the event was aimed at giving them a taste of working in big business.

The 15 and 16-year-olds were given advice by young entrepreneurs on how to cut it in industry - from starting up their own company to tackling day-to-day challenges.

John Williams, International Trade Director for Young Enterprise, said: "This class allowed young people to see the opportunities that await them. Trade Partners UK fully recognises the untapped potential out there and was only too willing to support this event, which could ultimately boost the regional economy by identifying tomorrow's business leaders.