Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman, who started the Norfolk Way charity.

Teenagers across parts of Norfolk will be able to be mentored by local entrepreneurs after headteachers decided to expand a successful pilot project.

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The Enterprise Bursary was launched in March this year by the Norfolk Way charity, set up in 2007 by mid Norfolk MP George Freeman.

It gives non-academic school leavers, aged between 16 and 18, the chance to have a year long work experience placement, financial assistance for travel and personal mentoring.

Currently Dereham Sixth Form College, Northgate High School, in Dereham, and Wymondham College are involved with the bursary.

Three teenagers are already benefiting from the pilot programme, which cost £10,000.

Through the bursary, Jack Wellstead, 16, of Mattishall, near Dereham - a former Wymondham College pupil - started a work experience placement at Amazon Gym, in Shropham, alongside a level two instructor course in sports and fitness at Easton College.

Following a meeting on Friday at Wayland Community High School, in Watton, between Mr Freeman and Norfolk headteachers, it was decided that the bursary would be taken up by Wayland Community High, Attleborough High, Old Buckenham High, Neathered High, in Dereham, and Litcham High next year.

Mr Freeman said: “This was a very positive and exciting meeting and the schools made it clear how valuable the bursary and efforts to build links with local businesses are in promoting opportunities for Norfolk school leavers.

“I think it is really important that we do everything we can to encourage school leavers in Norfolk to understand what is possible through self-employment and how many great local businesses there are.”

For more information contact Robert Ashton, chairman of the Norfolk Way, by emailing robert@robertashton.co.uk or visit www.thenorfolkway.co.uk