The deadline is looming for inventors to enter their ideas into the South East Innovation 2000 event.

The competition culminates in an exhibition offering visitors a chance to grab a glimpse of the future and to discover some of the country's most innovative new products.

With a closing date for entries of Thursday, August 24, hundreds of inventors are expected to aim for a share of the £40,000 prize pot.

Event organiser John Stainer said: "Whether you are someone looking for that elusive spark of inspiration or just keen to keep ahead of the competition, Innovation 2000 is the place to capture the creative buzz.

"The exhibition on Thursday, October 26, at Sandown Park, Surrey, will be of special interest to manufacturers and investors, as many inventors are looking for help with commercialising their products."

The exhibition is backed by a consortium of business organisations and companies across the South, including Sussex Enterprise. For more details, contact Sussex Enterprise on 0845 6788867.