YOUNG people in Ryedale are being invited to pitch their business ideas to former Apprentice star Ruth Badger in a new enterprise competition.

Students will have the opportunity to enter the Badgers Sett Enterprise Challenge under three different categories, including primary schools, secondary schools and business idea for 16-24 year olds.

Entrants must be living in the Ryedale area, and have an enterprising idea for a new business, a co-operative, a community project or an enterprising school or college project. The competition up to now has only run in Hull and the East Riding.

Prizes for each category include:

• Primary school - up to £500;

• Secondary school - up to £750;

• Post-16/business idea for 16-24 year olds - up to £1,200.

The competition is being run by the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank, which supports young people who have an enterprising idea and gives them a grant and access to a mentor if they are aged 13 to 21 with the support of Ryedale District Council.

Secretary Charles Cracknell said: “As an organisation we have a real commitment to developing an enterprise culture among young people working in partnership with Ryedale District Council and Enterprise Rockers, so that they in turn can grasp any future opportunities presented to them through the work they do.

“I am pleased that once again Ruth has committed her support to this enterprise challenge and we look forward to working with young entrepreneurs like 13-year-old Millie Notarantonio last year, who went on to win many awards, including the Most Enterprising Student in Hull at the Youth Enterprise Awards 2015."

Ruth Badger said: "I am very passionate about enterprise and ensuring young people have the opportunity to engage in it. Out of all the organisations in the UK that I work with, I believe that the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank are the best at engaging real entrepreneurs and successful businesses in partnering up with future young entrepreneurs, and that is why I set up this competition and I am delighted its now open to young people in Ryedale."

The deadline for entries is October 1, 2016. Go to hullbadgers.co.uk or email michael.notarantonio@hullcc.gov.uk for an application form.