A BRIDPORT man is calling for public help to pitch his Garden of Ideas to Richard Branson.

Simon Elliott’s start-up model hopes to bring thought-provoking and experimental art together in a unique garden setting. The Bridport native has teamed up with consultants from the Eden Project to pitch the scheme to Richard Branson.

The Garden of Ideas needs public votes in order to move onto the next stage of the process – where they could be awarded start-up finance for the project.

Voting closes on Monday.

Mr Elliott said: “If we manage to get the start-up finance, it is likely we will be able to give arts and culture a massive boost across the country.

“We have established sites for the project in Asia, but also one in London and possibly another one outside of London – and hopefully employ thousands of people.”

To vote for the Garden of Ideas project, please visit virginmediabusiness.co.uk/pitch-to-rich/new-things/garden-of-ideas/