£1,000 in £5 notes is being given away to celebrate the launch of a new business academy.

Showing Off Academy, which will teach people across the region how to make money, launches its first programme for business owners on Monday.

The giveaway will begin at noon in Market Square, when academy owner Joanne Allday will throw £500 of her own money to passers-by, along with leaflets about the business.

She will then make her way to White Cross to offer business owners the chance to exchange their business card for a £5 note.

Each fiver will have a note attached which challenges the lucky winner to double their money. The aim is to teach people how to look after the cash they have, and build more of it for their future security.

The academy's first programme is aimed at business owners, helping them create a profitable business which both the owners and employees can enjoy.

Joanne said: "I think I have probably lost my mind, but I am so convinced that the area needs the academy that I just wanted to tell as many people as I can.

"People are very worried about the current economic climate and we can give them tips about how to make money."

For more details about Showing Off Academy visit www.showingoffacademy.co.uk