THE owner of a Colne-based company, which offers a unique children's adventure play centre in a converted church, is vying for the title of HSBC Start-Up Star 2003.

Single mum Lorna Farenden 30, from Tyme to Live Limited in the former Langroyd Methodist Church, will join a host of firms less than two years old, hoping to scoop first prize of £20,000.

Start-Up Stars 2003 aims to find the UK's top new entrepreneurs who can demonstrate they have the inspiration, determination and discipline to succeed.

Lorna, who has four children aged ten and under, is well aware of the anxieties parents face when their children are outside playing without adult supervision.

She recognised a gap in the market and created a drop-in centre to give children the freedom to play and be safe in a fun environment.

In July 2001, she set up Tyme to Live and permission was granted in December 2002 to convert the church, which had stood empty for some time, into a play centre.

'Kidzone' opened in January and has exceeded Lorna's initial forecasts, offering private tuition, a learning zone, a club house for eight to 12 year olds, toddler and parent activity sessions and plenty of new equipment.

Lorna, who moved to Pendle eight years ago and now lives in Nelson, is working on expansion plans.

She said: "Being entered into this competition is like getting a pat on the back. Even if I don't get very far it's nice to be recognised as something new and exciting."

John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC Bank, said: "Over the past two years, Start-Up Stars has received entries from some of the UK's most promising entrepreneurs, whose success has been fuelled by determination, creativity and thorough planning, as well as sound commercial skills.

"By highlighting the achievements of these businesses, HSBC Start-Up Stars hopes to inspire and encourage others who are thinking about going it alone."

Ten finalists will share record prizes worth £65,000, including £20,000 cash for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-up.

Each finalist will also win consultancy services and software worth £4,000.

Results will be announced before an audience of 250 business leaders at a VIP dinner in October at London's Savoy Hotel.