ENTRIES have been coming in for a competition to win a shop – for three months – in a Worcester shopping centre.

The Worcester News-backed Dragon’s Lair competition invites entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of judges.

The winner will receive a shop in Worcester’s Reindeer Court shopping centre free of rent, rates and service charges for three months.

It will be a unique chance for someone to launch their business idea in a busy part of the city without the usual barrier of having to find a sizeable sum in set up costs. Ideas so far range from gift hampers to gardening products and christening goods.

Those with good business ideas are now urged to send in their entries before the closing date of Friday, July 1.

Anthony Walker, of Macarthur Wilson, which runs the centre’s lettings, said he hoped the competition would inspire budding business people to put their ideas into practice in a tough economic climate. He said: “I am intrigued to see what ideas are put forward. There are a lack of new retailers and we are pleased to provide this opportunity to budding entrepreneurs.”

Reindeer Court is in a prime site in the city centre just off The Shambles.

To enter, fill in the coupon in the Worcester News and send it with an explanation of no more than 250 words outlining your business idea and why you think it will succeed.

Entries should be sent to Alicia Kelly, Worcester News, Berrows House, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX