THE team of self-employed Wiltshire entrepreneurs behind an educational initiative welcomed a new judge ahead of this year's competition.

Andy Langley, CEO of Swindon-based IT company Ntegra, joins the organisers of The Cotswold Challenge. He said: “I’m honoured to be involved. This initiative chimes with our company ethos of supporting new talent.

“It's a challenging time for any young person and we’re delighted as a company to be able to embrace the creativity which we’re sure entrants will share with us when the competition goes live.”

Nigel Chute of Chute Design agreed and said: “This was set up to help students in Swindon and the Cotswolds that were going to miss out on their GCSEs and A-Levels.

"We were so fortunate to be supported by many generous sponsors, expert celebrity judges and even had a letter from the Secretary of State for Education. I feel honoured to be part of the initiative.”

Allison Murray said: “When we started this challenge for young students last year during the first lockdown, none of us expected it to be so successful. We were overwhelmed at the time to receive over 500 entries.”

Fellow team member Fiona Scott said: “We never in a million years imagined how successful or popular the challenge would be.

"It was so successful that we are extending it this year to Year 11, 12 and 13 students at schools and colleges in and around Swindon.

“To be supported by the Ntegra team and for Andy to give up his time, alongside other judges, to look at the work the young people share with us, is humbling. Last year, hundreds of young people took part and their talent was awe-inspiring”

The challenge encourages young people to submit creative and imaginative entries for different tasks.

This year, the new Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Talent which comes with a £250 prize will go to one student from each of the three categories – art and design, creative writing, and innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

The Cotswold Challenge 2021 will launch on June 1. Entries must be sent in by July 6. Visit www.thecotswoldchallenge.com