ENTHUSIASTIC entrepreneurs in the North-East have the chance to study at one of the country's top universities and gain a qualification that will give them a strong edge against the competition.

The Northern Echo and Durham University Business School have joined together to provide the winning applicant with a place on the country's only MA course in entrepreneurship.

The applicant will study part-time for two years at the business school's Barclays Centre for Entrepreneurship.

The winner of last year's scholarship was Peter Weatherley, who has almost completed the first year of the MA programme.

"Already I have been able to relate what I have learned to my work," said Peter, who is a community environmental worker with the South Bank Community Forum.

He and his colleagues have been working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on a Neighbourhood renewal project, which requires applications for Government and European funding.

"The course has proved invaluable with this area of work."

When Peter submitted his application to win a place on the course, he put forward the development of community businesses as a key way of helping the hard-hit area of South Bank, a part of Middlesbrough.

A place on the MA in Entrepreneurship is worth more than £10,000. It is available to individuals working in any sector who are enthusiastic about exploring and releasing their entrepreneurial potential.

Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree and/or relevant experience and be willing to attend an interview at the University of Durham Business School.

To apply to win a place on the programme, applicants must answer this question in around 800 words:

Describe what you believe to be meant by entrepreneurship and tell us why you would benefit from participating in the MA in Entrpreneurship offered by the University of Durham Business School.

Applicants will also need to complete a scholarship entry form and MA in Entrepreneurship application form, available from the University of Durham by contacting Jill Robson on (0191) 374-2233.

Completed forms and your entry should be sent no later than Friday, November 17, to: The Durham Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, Postgraduate Office, University of Durham Business School, University of Durham, Durham, DH1 3LB