A COMPANY that markets holidays on the Internet is in the running for a £20,000 prize in a national competition.

Holidays-in-Heaven.com, which is based in Darlington, is one of the companies, all less than two years old, competing for the top prize in the HSBC Start-Up Stars awards.

The business, started by managing director Peter Bulloch, was a spin-off from an Internet marketing and communications agency, and was designed to give easy access to package holidays from all the major tour operators.

John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC, said: "This is an excellent example of how one person's vision is helping to shape a business, and demonstrates through practical example the spirit of these awards.

"New businesses are the lifeblood that provide the next generation of successful growth companies.

"We hope highlighting achievements like those of Mr Bulloch's will inspire other people to turn their business dreams into reality."

HSBC Start-Up Stars is for firms that can demonstrate they have the management skills and ideas for success.