TRAFFIC congestion on Detling Hill could not prevent an enterprising start to the Kent County Show.

More than 100 guests attended the launch event in The Prince's Trust marquee co-hosted by the Institute of Directors Kent branch.

Alyson Howard, Kent IoD chairman, said encouraging young entrepreneurship was one of its key policies. She called on more business people to become mentors.

She said she was delighted to welcome speakers Joe Hilton, of EcoMerchants, based in Goodnestone, and Pete Moore of Screaming Talent, both young business people supported by the Trust.

Mr Hilton, a former surveyor, spoke of his interest in ecological building materials and how it had developed into a successful business.

He had this advice for business wannabes: "Don't have rose-tinted spectacles about how wonderful your business idea is. There are lots of people out there who can do something slightly different but they can gain your customers if you're not careful."

Both he and Mr Moore, of Faversham, paid tribute to their mentors, saying a good mentor was essential to success for young people.

John Pugh, a former senior Government information officer, had proved invaluable, Mr Moore said.

Mr Moore promotes new young musical talent, helping the Government with its New Deal scheme for musicians.

When record companies asked him why they should deal with him, he told them: "Well, quite simply Mr EMI, when Robbie Williams isn't here any more and he's not making you millions of pounds, you've got to find new acts so we're offering you grass-root talent that's coming through."

He added: "I've had ups and downs, things have gong wrong. I've earned some money, I've lost lots of money, I've felt fed up, dejected, bored, but I still keep coming back. I've got a passion inside me that drives me to help young people."

* Hillreed Homes presented The Prince's Trust with its fifth annual sponsorship cheque for £3,000. Ron Dunham, Trust area director, said the £15,000 had helped to support 10 businesses. "That has to be good news for young people and we are very grateful to Hillreed," he said.