Straw bale builder Barbara Jones, who was educated in Bradford, is celebrating after getting through to the semi-finals in the Virgin Media Pioneers Pitch to Rich competition.

The competition is seeking the UK’s best start ups. Finalists receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch their business to Richard Branson and be in with a chance of winning a prize package worth £5,000.

Barbara, who runs Straw Works, a straw bale building company in Todmorden, is pitchihg to build cosy cabins in the garden ideal for providing offices, studios or extra bedrooms. The cabins would be made from natural materials and would make perfect self-building schemes.