A Dragons’ Den-style competition which sees winners given free advertising in a regional publisher’s newspapers has been revived for a third year.

The CN Group, which publishes titles across Cumbria including dailies News & Star, in Carlisle, and Barrow’s North West Evening Mail, is offering a total of £60,000 across the region s part of its Business Boost campaign.

New businesses (between one and five-years-old) and established businesses with fewer than 250 employees can apply for the cash.

Entrants will be split into three regions with the winning applicants in each of the two categories receiving £10,000 credit with CN Group titles.

David Helliwell, editor of the News & Star, said: “There is huge investment planned for Cumbria over the next few years, and it’s vital that home-grown businesses make the most of the opportunities available.

“Business Boost aims to help them do just that.”

Other titles supporting the campaign include the Cumberland News, Whitehaven News and Workington Times & Star

The scheme is being supported by chartered accountant Lamont Pridmore and Bendles Solicitors.

Lamont is offering all entrants a copy of its book, 57 Ways to Grow Your Business, a help sheet entitled ‘What Makes a Successful Business’ and a booklet called ‘Competitiveness – How the Best UK Companies are Winning’.

Finalists can request a free half-day consultation with the firm while the winners can request a free business consultation programme over an extended period.