Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce is searching for the town's hidden entrepreneurs by offering £1,000 worth of prize money to the best new business idea.

Wannabe Richard Bransons have to enter a business plan describing the key personnel running the business and show an understanding of the costs and overheads of running a business in Wootton Bassett.

They must also show that they have done a market analysis, how they intend to market the business and, if successful, how they would spend the £1,000 prize money.

President of Chamber of Commerce Brian Taylor said: "It's for people who want to get into business and have got ideas and is an opportunity for them to take their ideas one step further."

The New Business Competition was created by the town's Chamber of Commerce last year and has since been adopted by the Wessex Chamber of Commerce.

Last year's winners were John and Carol Francis, of CJS Services, who now provide speaker systems to local bands after designing a super lightweight 240 watt cabinet weighing 22 kilograms, compared with the competition's 40 kilograms.

Mr Francis said: "My advice to anyone entering this year's competition is if you have a good idea, and you think you can make it work, then don't hold back, create that business plan and go for it."

The deadline for the competition, which is sponsored by North Wiltshire District Council, is February 28 and entry forms must be accompanied by a business plan. Advice on business plans can be obtained from Business Link and local banks as well as books in the local library.

For more information or to get an entry form call Brian Taylor on (01793) 840445.