Having worked for a high street bank for 14 years, Mark took the opportunity to return to his roots working for The Prince's Trust and now offers business start-up support to young people across the Peak District.

Mark lives in Buxton with his wife Debbie and sons Christopher, 15, and James, 12.

Buxton

My home town and one I could not wait to move back to after living in a city. People asked why we wanted to come back to a town with no cinema, no out-of-town shopping mall, no tenpin bowling alley – all things that were located close to us in Leicester.

What they don't always appreciate is the stunning countryside on the doorstep, a better quality of life and the simple fact that we could give our children the run of the town to develop as teenagers, without the fears and pressures that come with living in a suburban sprawl.


True Friends

Yes we had a good circle of friends whilst living 'down south' but you can never quite replace the true friends that you have shared your highs and lows with since your schooldays.

We may have been away from the area for 14 years but were instantly welcomed back. I have been involved in scouting since the age of seven as a cub, scout, venture scout and now a leader and through this many good long-standing friendships have been formed. We now all go out for a pint or two on a Friday evening and what a great way to start the weekend.

Gradbach Scout Camp

Nestling in the upper reaches of the Dane Valley in the Staffordshire Moorlands is a gem of a scout campsite at Gradbach.

Located only seven miles towards Leek, out of Buxton, it seems like another world and has its own mini-climate, which is warmer than Buxton…

Ideally situated, it lends itself for young people to experience activities such as hiking, climbing on the gritstone edges and exploring the countryside.

It is where I had a great time as a youngster and on returning to the area I became an assistant warden. Now I spend weekends at our country residence, as I like to tell friends.

The Devonshire 'Dome'

I remember going to see my grandmother in hospital as a child and thinking what a fantastic building. It boasts the largest unsupported dome in Britain at 150 feet in diameter. Years later and it has been transformed with the help of £23m into the University of Derby's campus in Buxton – and what a lift it has given to the town.

The university has been keen to promote the venue as open to public use and you will see pensioners mix with students to have lunch in the bistro and, of course, you are always guaranteed a mixture of smells of baked bread and other tasty dishes from the catering college kitchens.

Community spirit

We recently had some friends to stay who now live in London and the thing they found most surprising is how, on a walk around the town centre of Buxton, many people we would say hello to us or stop and have a short chat.

They say people are always too busy in London to talk and it is rare to know who your neighbours are. Well, for me this epitomises what is good about living in a small town.

It helps with my both my Prince's Trust role and scout hobbies to open many new doors and whatever the dilema you always know someone who will lend you… or knows so-and-so who will help you with…

Chatsworth

Over the years I have visited many other stately homes and parks in Britain but I never fail to believe that Chatsworth is the best of them all and it's right on our own doorstep.

From its 105-acre garden, designed by Joseph Paxton in the 19th century, to its farmyard and scenic walks it offers something for everyone and is amazingly accessible all year round. The house at Christmas is well worth a visit.

It is where by the kind permission of the Duke of Devonshire Derbyshire Scouts and Guides hold their International Scout Camps every five years. A small town is created within the park with around 6,000 people camping for a week and taking part in a range of activities. Long-standing friendships are made, including with scouts and guides from overseas. I hope to be attending the next one in 2010 and that will be my seventh Chatsworth camp.

The Prince's Trust

The trust helps young people aged 18 to 30 turn their dreams into reality and provides them with the support they need on setting up a business. From providing a free training day to helping them put together their business plan to helping with grants and low interest loans, young people will be assured a warm welcome.

Tel 0800 842842 or visit the website at www.princes-trust.org.uk