FOUNDER of the Razzamataz Theatre School, which opened it's Eden Valley school in Penrith last year, has taken on the business dragons in the BBC2 programme Dragons Den to secure extra funding for her performance arts business.

Razzamataz Theatre School was established in Cumbria in 2000 by Denise Hutton. In 2006 Charlotte Dixon became the principal of RTS Penrith. Now, through the popular television show, which offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch for business support and finance from successful business people, Denise has a new partner, millionaire businessman Duncan Bannantyne.

Denise, along with four Razzamataz children, were invited onto the show, after a screen test in Manchester, to pitch her franchise business to the dragons in January 2007. Around 4,000 "wannabe entrepreneurs" apply to the BBC Programme, and around 84 are chosen to go on the show and, apparently, "less than double figures get investment".

After Peter, Richard, Deborah and Theo declared themselves "Out!", Duncan Bannantyne said "I think you are under-selling yourself but if you still want the full investment from me, it's yours." A delighted and relieved Denise replied: "Of course."

She added: "We shook hands and the deal was done."