AN appeal for would-be entrepreneurs to take over empty shops rent-free in Liskeard has met with a 'strong' initial response.

High street guru Mary Portas invited applications from people keen to set up their own businesses and to take advantage of the offer of between three and 12 months' free rental of empty premises in the town centre.

Part of the Mary Portas' philosophy is that bringing empty properties back into use is one of the biggest challenges for communities all over the country. TV company Optomen, which is producing a series about the revitalisation schemes in Portas Pilot towns, has begun the task of sorting through the applications.

A spokesman for Optomen said that there had been a strong initial response to the invitation, with about 140 individuals getting in touch with their ideas.

Liskeard has been awarded Portas Pilot status by the Government and will benefit from funding and regeneration expertise.