WHEN most people think about the Cotswolds, they picture pillar-box red trousers, gun dogs and shooting, picturesque villages and lots of tweedy folk.

Yet one man in Cirencester is on a mission to prove that the Cotswolds is a cool place to live and work.

Oli Christie, of Castle Street-based technology pioneers Neon Play, is throwing what he dubs “the party of the year” to celebrate everything cool and creative about the district and is offering a pair of tickets to one lucky Standard reader.

He has launched a Rock the Cotswolds campaign to celebrate everything cool and creative about the area.

To be in with a chance of winning the exclusive tickets to his bash, readers simply need to take a picture of themselves doing something cool. As an example, Oli is pictured above getting a henna tattoo of the Rock the Cotswolds logo with Martin Covey at Cirencester's Ink Lounge.

Oli explained that from electrifying enterprises, rock’n’roll restaurants and inspiring individuals, the campaign aims to encourage more businesses to set up shop in the “cool” Cotswolds.

People were invited to nominate businesses and individuals in the area they thought were the coolest around. Already more than 300 nominations have been received and a list of the top 70 will be announced at the launch party.

“The party will be massive with 300 of the coolest, most influential, famous and diverse movers and shakers in the Cotswolds,” said Oli. “Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s a golden ticket that everyone is after for the party of the year.”

For the chance to bag two tickets to the VIP, invite-only event in June, simply take a picture of yourself doing something cool and creative in the Cotswolds and send it to mar@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk before May 1.

The lucky winner and their guest will be treated to a night of VIP treatment and entertainment, featuring magicians, music, cocktail bars, food, a red carpet welcome and plenty more.

The launch party is at Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester on Friday, June 6, from 7.30pm to 12am.

All entrants must be over 18.