TELEVISION actor Martin Clunes was in Bournemouth September 23 to help showcase the remarkable achievements of local young people who have overcome barriers to start their own businesses.

The star of the hugely successful TV sitcom Men Behaving Badly, as well as current hit Doc Martin, Mr Clunes is the celebrity ambassador for the Prince's Trust, which hosted the exhibition at the Wessex Hotel yesterday.

It featured around 30 stands promoting the success of local people who have set up new firms with the support of the trust's business programme.

These included companies offering baby care products, fine art, web design, jewellery, crafts, holistic therapy and photography.

Mr Clunes said: "To hear these people speak in such glowing terms about the trust and what it has done for them, it's the best evidence you could have about what a great service it provides."

The trust focuses its efforts on young people who may have struggled at school, been in care, are long-term unemployed or who have been in trouble with the police.

As well as giving financial help, it offers fledgling firms a business mentor, someone who is on hand to give advice on areas such as preparing business plans, accounting, marketing and product development.

Nicole Kershaw was one of the exhibitors showcasing her Poole-based business, Buy Arrangement, which offers dried and artificial flowers made to order.

She went to the Prince's Trust after her local bank refused to help her.

"The trust saw my designs were different and unusual and got the business off the ground for me," she said.

"Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Bournemouth dress designer Alison Morse and Wimborne-based jewellery maker Victoria Martin teamed up after meeting at one of the trust's monthly get-togethers, where the newly formed businesses can swap tips and ideas.

The two designers now offer a complete bespoke service for clients wanting exclusive designs for special occasions such as weddings and award ceremonies.

Alison said: "Although we've both got the drive to do it alone, the trust's support has made life a lot easier."

For more details about the Dorset and South Wiltshire branch of the trust, contact 01202 888845.

First published: September 24