A YOUNG Wirral entrepreneur has won a top business award at the North West regional final of the prestigious Shell Livewire young business start-up awards.

Damian Gaskin, 28, from Birkenhead, won the most enterprising business award, receiving £750 at a presentation in Manchester.

Damian's business, Starmakers, provides professional training in the performing arts for young people aged between six and 17. Covering all aspects of dance, drama and singing, Damian's students are trained by established professionals from the entertainment industry.

Although Starmakers has only been trading for a short time, it already has 180 students and employs two full-time and up to 14 part-time staff.

Damian started his business after graduating from the Bristol Old Vic where he was sponsored by, among others, Anthony Hopkins.

One of the judges, June Poree, said: "Damian's achievements are outstanding. It is great to see someone make a drama into a business, turning their craft into an idea that gives so many children a superb opportunity."

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