INTERNET entrepreneur Gill Chapple is heading for another national awards ceremony after beating off competition from hundreds of successful women.

The 25-year-old founder of Bedsearcher, which sells rooms in hotels and guesthouses across the UK, will travel to London next month for the finals of the Everywoman Awards.

The successful businesswoman is one of three nominated for the award which pays tribute to the challenges faced by women at different times in their lives.

Ms Chappie, from Darlington said: "I am delighted to be nominated and am overwhelmed to be in the final three out of 300 hopefuls.

"Bedsearcher has had a great year and it is great to see this recognised.

"I really hope this will inspire others to start their own business, especially online, as the North-East is lagging behind the rest of the UK in this area."

Bedsearcher has already won local, regional and national awards, including the Best New Business Award for marketing and the coveted Visa Innovation Award.

Ms Chappie, who will travel to London's Royal Opera House for the final awards, set up Bedsearcher in 2002 and after two years, the business is turning over more than £1.5m.