HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcester shire Chamber of Commerce has gone into the scratch card business. In an effort to encourage companies to enter the annual Chamber Awards by the closing date on Friday, May 16, it has been sending out scratch cards with prizes including helicopter rides, specialist IT training, hotel accommodation vouchers and spa treatments.

Beverley Thurwood, from Nemesis GB Ltd of Great Western Business Park, Worcester, popped into the Chamber office to collect a £100 voucher donated by Hotel Shop of Droitwich. She said: "We are really thankful, and excited to have won a prize and are looking forward to seeing where it can be used. The Chamber has really helped us with our export work and we have made great progress with their support."

John Pooley, managing director of John Pooley Consultancy Ltd of Great Witley recently won an introductory footplate steam experience worth £295 donated by Severn Valley Railway.

He said: “When I went to my first Chamber networking event I expected to meet interesting people, but I never expected to win a footplate experience on the Severn Valley Railway – a long term ambition fulfilled.”

The Chamber's red envelopes will continue to drop through letter boxes until the competition entry date is reached.