Hidden heroes behind the success of hundreds of small businesses run by young people and supported by the Prince's Trust are to be recognised and rewarded.

The Prince's Trust and Barclays Business Volunteer Awards will highlight the contributions made by more than 7,500 Prince's Trust business mentors and volunteers across the country to businesses run by young people - many of whom were out of work and facing financial hardship before starting up their businesses.

Since 1983 the Trust has helped more than 43,000 young people to launch their own business, and around 60 per cent are still trading in their third year.

It is those young entrepreneurs who are being asked to help identify the Mentor of the Year.

Local businesses which have been helped by mentors from the Prince's Trust can show their appreciation for their mentor's support and advice by nominating them for an award. Nomination forms are available from Prince's Trust offices.

The Trust helps young people aged 18-30 who are unemployed or of limited means to start their own business. It provides a mentor and a loan of up to £5,000.

Among the mentors are 130 Barclays managers, who undertake the role on a voluntary basis.

Barclays small business and start-ups managing director Mike Rogers said: "We are delighted to be able to support this programme, which seeks to celebrate the real difference which Prince's Trust mentors make to the young people they support.

"The role of mentors is a vital one in releasing the business potential and enthusiasm of young people who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to start a business."