A TEENAGE business woman from North Yorkshire has finished as a runner-up at a national enterprise awards.

Hannah Russell, 19, from Leyburn, was shortlisted in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards after proving age is no barrier when it comes to business acumen, having writing a successful book series and several Dales businesses.

Two years ago she launched her Little Alf series of books about her cheeky miniature Shetland pony, and has since branched out with a clothing range. Her latest venture is magazine based on the adventures of the diminutive pony.

After being shortlisted along with 600 other young budding business owners, the list was whittled down to just four finalists. Accompanied by her mother Sharon, Miss Russell attended the final held at the Lancaster Hotel, London.

Despite a strong challenge from Miss Russell, the category was won by a London- based firm and she came away as a runner-up. She said: “Just to be shortlisted down to the final four I felt very proud; so to come runner-up felt amazing.

“The winners had an amazing company too, they had a flood protection system which helps people in desperate situations. To hear their story and journey was really nice.”

Nick James, Great British Entrepreneur Awards founder said: “Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators and the lifeblood of the UK economy.

“The standard of this year’s awards’ finalists shows just how much talent there is to support in the UK.”

In the New Year Miss Russell will continue writing and intends to travel to more book signing in order to meet the many fans of Little Alf. See www.littlealf.com for further information.