BUDDING entrepreneurs were given first-hand advice by some of York's self-employed at a special enterprise day.

York-based company Stone Soup helped to organise the York Enterprise Scheme event at the Fishergate Centre, in conjunction with the York St John College.

Participants tested their networking skills in workshops, listened to speakers, and visited businesses based at the centre, including a jeweller, artist and a corset-maker.

Debbie Bonner, 22, hoped to learn about the possibility of launching her own creative arts magazine. She said: "They say one in three people want to be self-employed. It was really nice to see people who have actually done something about it and started their own business. It spurs you on a bit, meeting people in the same boat."

Stone Soup director Andy Milson said: "The whole day was a great opportunity for people thinking about self-employment to meet and talk with young entrepreneurs who have actually done it. We hope that this will encourage people to consider starting their own businesses and to visit places like the Fishergate Centre, which can help them achieve their dream."

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, May 29, 2003