ENTREPRENURIAL youngsters could get a £2,111 investment from a Dragon by helping parents swap ash for cash.

Duncan Bannatyne, from television show Dragons Den, is challenging seven to 16-year-olds to come up with the best idea in the UK to help parents give up smoking.

Three finalists will meet the Mr Bannatyne on No Smoking Day (March 11) to present their ideas and put forward one original suggestion on how children could encourage parents to quit.

The winner receives a £2,111 donation for their school and £250 worth of gift tokens for their family.

Runners-up receive £100 worth of family gift tokens.

The self-made millionaire’s challenge coincides with the announcement from the No Smoking Day (NSD) charity that families could save £2,111 per year if just one family member gave up smoking.

According to the charity, 42 per cent of children in the UK live in a household where at least one person smokes.

NSD charity president Mr Bannatyne, 60, said: “I may have seen some daft ideas in recent years but smoking is one of the dumbest decisions anyone can make – it’s right up there with wrestling polar bears, bungee jumping on knicker elastic and trying to land a punch on Joe Calzaghe.

“I’d like everyone to stop.”

Talking about the competition, he said: “I am looking for a good idea, well presented by someone with enthusiasm.

“A 20-a-day smoker could save £2,111 a year by quitting, so it makes financial sense, health sense and good common sense.

“There’s no better time to quit than No Smoking Day.”

Click here for more information and a competition application form.

The deadline for applications is next Thursday (March 5).