Burley-IN-WHARFEDALE'S young business brains are preparing themselves for the next big challenge in their campaign to secure a variety of new facilities.

Members of the Burley Youth Forum are striving to make sure youngsters see their dreams turn into reality.

Adults and young people in the village are working side by side to plan and finance projects, including an in-line skating/basketball area, drop-in cafe and, in the long term, a community centre.

Since the Youth Forum was set up more than a year ago, the emphasis has been on youngsters being fully involved.

Now, youngsters are preparing for a trade fair at the White Rose Centre, Leeds, on Saturday, January 23.

This forms part of the national Young Enterprise Scheme, of which Youth Forum member Bob Jones is heavily involved.

Mr Jones is the mastermind behind a variety of 'companies' which are raising funds to finance youth schemes in the village.

Youngsters meet at Burley Middle School each week for company meetings with Mr Jones.

As part of the scheme, youngsters register themselves as a company and work out fundraising schemes.

Mr Jones said: "The Burley Youth Forum schemes have been running since September and I am very pleased with the way things have gone."

"The youngsters, ranging from the ages of about 12 to 16, have come up with some really good ideas," he said.

Mr Jones hopes the Young Enterprise trade fair will give the youngsters a good opportunity to really 'sell' their respective businesses.

"We will have three companies setting up stands at the event. There are prizes on the day for the best presentation and the best product," he said.

Those attending the event should look out for Bits and Bobs (the company will be selling/setting up Internet Web pages); All Sorts (selling greetings cards) and Boreal (selling decorative plant pots and shrubs).

Mr Jones said any youngsters interested in the Young Enterprise scheme were welcome to attend the weekly sessions at Burley Middle School, Wednesdays at 4pm.

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