ONLY two budding entrepreneurs have entered a competition in Malmesbury for new businesses that has a top prize of £1,000.

Only two business plans, compared to four last year, were submitted .for a competition organised by Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce under the umbrella of the district council.

Entrepreneur Andy Cotton, a 41-year-old from Chelworth, who grew up in Malmesbury and runs his own music company Try Anything Once, was surprised at the lack of entrants.

He has produced more than 60 outdoor festivals working with artists such as Elton John and Westlife, and received his industry's equivalent of the Oscars at an awards ceremony in February.

Mr Cotton said: "I am surprised. I would have thought there would have been more ideas. If we don't keep our industry in the town, the youth will leave and Malmesbury will die."

Alan Woodward, president of Malmesbury Chamber of Commerce, said although one person was too late to submit their business scheme, he felt the number of entries was normal for a town the size of Malmebsury.

The winner will receive £1,000 and go forward to the North Wiltshire final where a prize of £2,000 awaits.