RETIRED managing director Riley Sims' desire to see young business people succeed has won him a top regional award.

Mr Sims, who lives in Oare, has been named the Prince's Trust and Barclays Business Mentor of the Year for the South West.

It was the second year Barclays sponsored the award, which recognises the part that business people play in giving their time to support young people setting up new businesses with the help of the Prince's Trust.

The trust is a charity that helps 18 to 30 year-olds who cannot get funding elsewhere to get their businesses off the ground.

Gavin Goard from Chippenham nominated Mr Sims, formerly a managing director in the IT industry.

The trust helped Mr Goard set up Goard's Power Cleaning, a vehicle valeting business. Mr Sims agreed to be his mentor and help him get his business onto a sound footing.

Mr Sims also helped young furniture maker Gareth Neal from Pewsey with his business plans.

He said: "They have all the skills in their trades but need help with the paperwork and marketing side."

Mr Sims said: "Now that I am retired I wanted to put something back in and I believe the Prince's Trust is fantastic because it really does give young people starting their own businesses a great chance."

The trust's business support manager for the western counties, Fran Thomas, said: "Mr Sims is a great supporter of the work in Wiltshire and is a valuable asset to our volunteer network.

"He works tirelessly for the young people to ensure that they have the best support possible."

Neil Pellow, manager of small businesses at Barclays in Exeter said: "The volunteer mentor role is a vital one in releasing the business potential and enthusiasm of young people who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to start a business."

The Prince's Trust wants more mentors and anyone interested in helping young people develop their own businesses can call (01225) 474102 for information.