Following last year's success, the Hampshire firm of Daltons Solicitors are delighted to announce the launch of their Bright Sparks 2003 competition.

Managing partner Rebecca Todd said: "The aim of the competition is to encourage young entrepreneurs to take the risk of setting up their own business and to support them in the early, critical stages, or have a business and have an innovative idea they want to explore.

"We know from our entries last year that there are many young people who have bright ideas and want to start their own business and don't know where to begin.

"Our information pack points these young people in the right direction and hopefully, with the right kind of support, they can bring their ideas to fruition."

The competition is open to applicants between 16 and 26 years of age who live in Hampshire. They may have a bright idea for a business they want to pursue or they may be running a business and have an innovative idea they want to explore.

The judge's panel will be made up of experienced people and the prize will include £1,000 cash towards start-up or running costs, free legal and business advice for one year donated by Daltons, free management for one year courtly of Southsea accountants Casson Beckman, and computer support including assistance with the design of a web page courtesy of The Page Designer.

Anyone interested in entering the Bright Sparks 2003 competition can obtain an information pack and entry form from Daltons competition co-ordinator on 01730 262816 or by posting an e-mail to mds@daltons-law.co.uk, leaving a name and address.

The closing date for entries is June 30, 2003.