TWO brothers are aiming to hit the jackpot by impressing Sir Richard Branson with their innovative new business idea for a luxury brand of healthy ice cream.

The Virgin Group founder is inviting companies to Pitch To Rich, with the chance of sharing a £1m prize pot.

Charlie and Harry Thuillier from Mudeford, have made it through to the semi-finals out of 2,500 entrants and are just one step away from pitching their product to Branson.

Now they are calling on people to vote for their idea online to qualify for the next stage in the contest.

The three companies with the highest number of votes will proceed to the live final on June 26.

Charlie Thuillier, managing director, said: "We’re on a mission to make the indulgent healthy. We’re in the Grow category and are challenging the big players and welcoming consumers back to guilt-free indulgence.”

Harry Thuillier, director, added: “While we’ve got this far with no marketing budget, the £250,000 prize would take Oppo to the next level. We’re a young team but have a big dream and are working hard to ensure we make healthy indulgence a reality.”

Oppo ice cream, which contains fewer calories than an apple, was inspired by their record-breaking expedition to Brazil in 2011.

During the trip, the brothers ran out of supplies so had to rely on wild superfoods which sparked a love of naturally good ingredients and their mission to make the most indulgent foods healthy.

Upon launch in October 2014, Oppo won most innovative product and is now a finalist in the World Food Innovation Awards for Best New Business and Brand’ and has just won The Healthy Food Guide award.

Pitch to Rich 2015 is a nationwide competition run by Virgin Media Business to find the country’s most exciting and innovative businesses.

Richard McGinn, Waitrose ice cream buyer said: "Oppo offers our shoppers a point of difference in the frozen aisle. The range is lower in calories than other dairy ice creams, yet still tastes like an indulgent treat.”

The winner in the Grow category will receive £250,000 marketing support and the two runners-up will receive £100,000. To vote, visit virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/grow/oppo-ice-cream/