THE Prince's Trust has helped many young people in Herefordshire to get work, or to take their first steps in starting up a business.

The county branch has a high success rate in the way it sets many on the right path to a successful life. But it could not do so without the support of a growing band of volunteers, or mentors, in business or professions of their own, who share their skills with young people.

Among them is Edward Turner of Llangrove, near Ross-on-Wye, who has been nominated as the Prince's Trust volunteer of the year for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

He will go the the Trust's regional awards night in Coventry tomorrow, (Friday) and, if successful, will appear at the national finals with Prince Charles later in the year.

Mr Turner has a background in the building industry. His last position was managing director of a product supply company that achieved an annual turnover of £32 million under his leadership.

He said he became a mentor with the Prince's Trust because he felt it gave him the opportunity to help youngsters who had a poor start in life.

Mr Turner has supported three young people into business and helped with assessments, applications and introductions to corporate sponsors.

He has also raised much-needed funds for the work of the Trust by organising golf tournaments in the county, with more planned next year.

Mr Turner's nomination said he embodied all the qualities one would hope to find in a volunteer. He led by example and was unstinting in giving his time, experience and contacts to the Trust, it added.

Mr Turner, who is aged 66, urged local business people, retired or not, to consider using their expertise to support the Prince's Trust. "It is very rewarding,'' he said.