A small business in North Somerset that encourages girls to use running as a mindfulness technique has been named among the "most exciting" start-ups in Britain.
Mindrun4girls in Clevedon, near Bristol, targets nine-to-12-year-old girls and aims to boost self-esteem, and reduce anxiety and stress, according to the company鈥檚 website.
Founder Victoria Winterson, 43, was awarded a 拢2,000 grant and a year of free mentoring after pitching to a panel of judges at an event at the Houses of Parliament.
Judges included former Dragons鈥 Den star Rachel Elnaugh, who also founded gift experience company Red Letter Days, and Simon Lancaster, founder of SJL Insurance and the SJL Foundation.
Victoria said: 鈥淚 feel honoured and incredibly humble that it has given me a chance to share such an important message about mental health, positivity of sport and female empowerment in a public arena.
鈥淚f we all spoke up more about these topics then we would have a greater chance of making a difference to the lives of young people.鈥
Simon said: 鈥淭here has been a lot of conversation surrounding the benefits of exercise on mental health and wellbeing and Victoria鈥檚 business ticks both boxes, targeting girls at such an important time.
鈥淲e liked how Victoria鈥檚 teaching children mindfulness, which is something usually adults only get to learn and benefit from.鈥
All the businesses awarded funding have agreed to take part in a 'Pay It Forward' scheme to help another start-up entrepreneur.
MindRun4Girls also offers discounts to schools wanting to provide the programme to girls in less affluent or disadvantaged areas.
