Travel Counsellors is introducing a scholarship programme for up-and-coming travel entrepreneurs in the North East.

The initiative is aimed at travel and tourism graduates from local universities and college, including those who have left full-time education in the past five years, or have less than five years' work experience.

Applicants are offered an opportunity to set up their own travel business with Travel Counsellors.

The company's digitally enabled platform and global community network enables new entrepreneurs to acquire skills and tools to scale their business independently as trusted travel advisors.

To win a place on the Travel Counsellors Academy programme alongside a £10,000 individual grant, applicants need to submit a business plan.

Successful applicants will be invited to a pitch session in Manchester, in front of industry experts.

Applications are now being accepted via the company’s website and will close on April 30.

Those selected can expect to set up their businesses from July.

Matt Harding, director of franchise sales at Travel Counsellors, said: "We are thrilled to offer aspiring young entrepreneurs in the North East the opportunity to start their own travel business."

Newcastle-based travel counsellor, Steve Garside, who has 25 years of experience in travel, said: "I believe this community can help young travel enthusiasts to set up their businesses and do extremely well."