A ROSSENDALE PR guru is to put a pitch to Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis after his company was shortlisted for a charity innovation award.

Tony Garner’s Viva PR, based in Rawtenstall, is one of three companies to be shortlisted for The New Children’s Hospital Appeal’s Many Hands Campaign Innovation Award after they raised £3,500 for the cause.

The company put together the Rossendale’s Got Talent competition which showcased the best and brightest of Rossendale’s young talent.

Each of the four companies shortlisted have been invited to pitch in front of BBC Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis and the judging panel, saying why they should win the award, at Manchester Town Hall on June 30.

The award recognises the most innovative way in which a company or individual has raised funds to support the Many Hands Campaign.

The campaign aims to get small businesses from across the region to each raise £1,000 towards proj-ects within the new children’s hospital,which opened in June in central Manchester.

The winner, who will be announced at the closing reception, will win the top prize of one day’s free training and coaching from leading business coach Nick Robinson as well as a visit from Theo himself.

Former journalist Mr Garner said: “Our talent contest was on a par with the TV talent shows; we had a lot of fun putting it together and watching the acts take part and most importantly we raised vital funds for the appeal.

“I’ve been watching Dragons’ Den to see if I can get any tips on how to handle the pressure and most importantly present a perfect pitch!”