MANCHESTER United and England star Rio Ferdinand is backing a challenge to the region's business community to use their ingenuity to help The Prince's Trust.

Law firm Halliwells has enlisted Rio to support its initiative, which it hopes will raise more than £500,000 for the charity.

The Halliwells Corporate Challenge will see 150 Greater Manchester firms each given £50. They will then have three months to make as much money from it as possible, using their entrepreneurial flair.

Rio has agreed to act as a judge along with Manchester city council chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, Halliwells' managing partner Ian Austin and the M.E.N. As well a prize for the team which makes the most money, there will be a special honour for the most innovative way of raising funds.

Rio said: "When I was at West Ham, I presented some certificates to young people who had been on a 12-week Prince's Trust course learning key skills. From that moment, I have been an avid supporter of the Trust."

Mr Austin said: "We believe that this initiative will appeal to local companies on a number of levels."

The challenge kicks off on September 6. Details from Chrissie Baldock at Halliwells on 0161 831 2721 or www.halliwellschallenge.com. Tweet