ASPIRING entrepreneurs in north Wiltshire are being invited to put their ideas on to paper for a prestigious new business contest offering thousands of pounds in prizes.

The Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce is working with North Wiltshire District Council to discover the James Dysons of the future.

They are challenging those with a good idea for a new business to put pen to paper.

There will be prizes for the winners of £4,000 to help get a new business up and running.

A similar contest was organised in Wootton Bassett last year following the closure of the St Ivel factory. Seven people entered and drew up comprehensive business plans.

One of the budding entrepreneurs came up with the idea of making personalised loudspeakers, another wanted to set up an Internet company providing property abroad with a maintenance package, and another wanted to create personalised clothing.

All seven entrants went on to start up their businesses as a result of the work they had put into their entries. The contest was heralded as a great success.

This year the competition has been extended to cover Corsham, Malmesbury, Chippenham, Calne and Cricklade. A prize of £2,000 will be presented to the winner in each town, as judged by the local chambers of commerce, and an additional £2,000 will be awarded to the overall winner.

The Wessex Association is keen to encourage more people to take the plunge in business. Help is on hand for people needing assistance drawing up their business plan, either from Business Link or local banks, and the Wessex Association can point potential entrants in the right direction.

"People may have a good idea, but lack the skills to put the plan together, but there is support for that," said

Wessex Association manager Stefan Barbaruk.

"We are looking for anyone who has a good idea. The judges will be looking for something a little bit different, but it does have to be viable, with a business plan and a marketing strategy."

The closing date for the Corsham competition is May 10.

Judging will take place on May 17 at the Royal Oak and the award will be presented on May 24 at the town hall.

Entries for the Chippenham event will close on May 17, with the judging on May 20 at Open IT.

The prizegiving will take place on June 3 at the Angel Hotel.

The Calne contest closes on May 10, with judging at the Lansdowne Hotel on May 19 and prizegiving at the same venue on May 28 at noon.

The deadline for entries in the Malmesbury event is May 7 with judging on May 12.

The winner will be announced at the Old Bell on May 21.

The final judging will be on June 10 at Open IT, Chippenham, with one judge from each town.

The overall winner will receive their prize on July 26 at a Business Breakfast at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham.

The contest is open to new businesses only and separate entry forms have been produced for each of the towns. For information contact Mr Barbaruk on (01225) 355553.