SMALL businesses across the region still have the chance to win a prize worth almost £40,000.

The Parcelforce Worldwide Awards have attracted 300 entries from the South West so far, including several from in and around Swindon, and the deadline for the competition has been extended until Friday, June 25.

To qualify, a business must be independently owned, be based in the UK, have a turnover of more than £58,000 a year, employing fewer than 30 people and have been running for more than two years.

The awards are free to enter and there are categories for customer service, exporting, best young entrepreneur, and small business with the biggest potential.

Speaking at last year's awards, small business minister Nigel Griffith said: "These are the biggest small business awards in the UK and demonstrate that small businesses are the economic dynamos of growth."

Businesses can enter at www.parcelforce.com/awards.