Television star and businesswoman Karren Brady,centreabove, hasbackedan entrepreneurship programme run by an East Midlands college.

Lord Sugar’s aide on the BBC television series The Apprentice, who is also vice-chairman of West Ham Football Club, visited West Nottinghamshire College to launch a scheme in which experts coach aspiring tycoons to help them to get their business ideas off the ground. Ms Brady talked about her experiences and joined a panel, which included Shalini Khemka, co-founder of the London Entrepreneurial Exchange, a support network for entrepreneurs, to be quizzed by 150 students.

Chelsea Salmon, 16, recently set up an anti-bullying website that she wants to roll- out to schools. “Karren made me realise that you can succeed in life regardless of your background,” she said.

Principal Asha Khemka said: “Karren Brady is the epitome of what can be achieved with an entrepreneurial spirit and a determination to succeed.”