BUSINESSES were today urged to lodge their entries for a contest as part of the Open 4 Business extravaganza.

They are being urged to enter Weymouth and Portland Open 4 Business Window Display and Customer Service Competition.

The deadline has been extended until tomorrow to encourage as many firms as possible to enter.

The Dorset Echo is sponsoring the contest, which has been set up by the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism and Dorset Retail Skillshop .

It has been introduced as part of the Open 4 Business festival this year. The extravaganza opens on Monday with a business breakfast at the Portland Spa. It continues for a fortnight with exciting events and activities.

In the new contest, there will be separate prizes for the best window displays on the Open 4 Business theme for Weymouth and Portland traders.

Additionally, customers will be able to nominate the best customer service from an individual at shops with registered window displays.

There will be prizes - one for Weymouth and another for Portland.

The Dorset Retail Skillshop is co-ordinating the contest and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council is backing it.

To enter the window display competition, email Skillshop's Dorset co-ordinator Mandy Payne, at mandy.payne@bournemouth.gov.uk or telephone her at 01202 451187.

You can also fill in the form on this page and send it to Mandy Payne, Dorset Retail Skillshop, Room 108, Town Hall, Bournemouth BH2 6DY.

The closing date is tomorrow.