BUSINESSES are being urged to volunteer for the Lord Sugar treatment when a Dorset charity mounts an Apprentice-style fundraiser.

Bournemouth-based online learning company Unicorn Training is the first local organisation to sign up for the Diverse Abilities Plus Apprentice Challenge on June 4.

The event will see teams of six competing against each other in Apprentice-themed tasks.

Taking place at the Cumberland Hotel from 9am-5.30pm, it will feature challenges themed around equality, diversity and disability.

The charity supports people with physical and learning disabilities. Eric, one of the people it helps, will take the Lord Sugar role, with a team of judges including Diverse Abilities staff.

Charlotte Martines, a configuration specialist at Unicorn, has recruited two teams for the event. “Within 24 hours of proposing the idea to the office, I had recruited enough people for two teams, which just shows how the idea of the Apprentice Challenge really captured everyone's imagination,” she said.

“As a Dorset-based company, everyone really wanted to help raise awareness and funds for Diverse Abilities Plus as it is a very worthy local cause.

“It's sure to be a great day, although the Unicorn team that achieves the most throughout the challenge might be unbearable in the office the next day.”

Lottie Forte, who works at Diverse Abilities Plus and is organising the event, said: “It is fantastic that Unicorn Training is supporting us and are getting into the spirit of the challenge.

“With two teams competing there is guaranteed to be some healthy rivalry, while both also bid to prove themselves top dogs overall.”

Entry for a team is £100 and the minimum age is 18. Information is available from Lottie Forte on 01202 718266 or lottie.forte@ diverseabilitiesplus.org.uk Diverse Abilities Plus was founded in 1955 by Phyllis Edwards, who formed a group of parents intent on providing better opportunities for their children with physical and learning disabilities. It is responsible for Langside School, respite projects, support and advice.