More support is needed in the two counties to encourage enterprise among schoolchildren, according to the local Chamber Of Commerce.

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire chamber helps people start their own businesses and assists firms to develop.

It believes enterprise develops communities and supports economic development for everyone and would like to see enterprise encouraged at an early age.

Member businesses of the chamber recently told Schools Minister Jacqui Smith that while the recent initiative of enterprise education was welcome, it should also be offered to younger pupils at Key Stage 3 to develop an enterprising culture earlier.

The chamber's head of policy and lobbying, Christopher Harvey, said: "The local business community has been active in supporting initiatives to encourage an understanding and enthusiasm for enterprise through many links between business and schools, such as Young Enterprise."

"The initiative by the Government to introduce some 'enterprise education' into the curriculum of all schools at Key Stage 4 is welcome. But we think it should also be offered to Key Stage 3 pupils.

"When young people are given the opportunity to develop business ideas of their own through schemes such as Young Enterprise, they show great originality, skill and enthusiasm. We must do all that we can to encourage this."