GWENT Wildlife Trust is throwing down the gauntlet to local businesses in a fundraising challenge as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

The Argus is supporting the Trust throughout this year to help raise awareness of the work it does and also raise vital funds.

To this end we are inviting businesses to enter a team in to the Gwent Wildlife Trust £50 Corporate Challenge.

GWT will provide £50 of seed funding to teams taking part with the challenge to them to make it grow as much as possible over 12 weeks.

We at the South Wales Argus will be entering a team. Accountants UHY Peacheys and Wilkinsons depot are among the other local businesses who have already signed up to take part.

Now we appeal to more of you to get involved. Businesses large or small can take part and they can enter as many teams as they wish.

The method of raising the money is up to the teams involved - as long as it is legal and ethical!

Firms wanting to get involved are invited to register and then turn up at a launch event on June 13 at Ancre Hill Vineyard, Monmouth to receive their £50 seed funding.

Prizes will be awarded at the end of the 12-week challenge for the team which raises the most money or the team which came up with the most innovative fund-raising idea.

South Wales Argus deputy editor Nicole Garnon said: "We are delighted to support the Trust in this their 50th anniversary. This corporate challenge is a fun and different way for local businesses to get involved in helping out an organsiation which does so much good across this whole area."

To register call 01600 740600 or email ltownley@gwentwildlife.org