AN organisation that helps get new businesses off the ground is taking a fruity approach to encouraging entrepreneurs.

To promote the group, which is made up of private sector specialists offering entrepreneurs help at the start-up stage, it is taking to the road throughout County Durham giving out oranges.

Mick Wood, of The Enterprise Group, said: "Our new campaign is using the imagery of citrus fruit in a bid to give people the extra zest to start their own business.

"We are now touring the county with our huge trailer to let as many people as possible know we are here, to help and giving out the odd bit of fruit too in the process."

The North-East still lags behind the rest of the country when it comes to free enterprise. To try to redress the balance, The Enterprise Group has developed a start-up system that minimises red tape and gives entrepreneurs the benefit of the team's commercial experience.

Accountants, marketers, public relations experts, business development managers, Internet developers and niche business start-up specialists have joined forces to help the county improve its record for business start-ups.

One enterprise that has succeeded thanks to the group's help is Durham City-based Down To Earth Organics, which provided the oranges for the launch of the marketing drive.

Run by husband and wife team Ian and Hilary Beadle, the company delivers fresh organic fruit and vegetables door-to-door to homes across the county.

The Enterprise Group is led and driven by international business development company Action for Employment.

The Enterprise Group Start-up Centre can be contacted on 0191- 377 9888.