A former head of maths at Ehenside School is hoping to win support from international entrepreneur Richard Branson to help her expand the thriving business.

Rebecca Hanson launched her own business, Authentic Maths, in January.

She said: "I've been running courses in schools non-stop since then, training more than 160 teachers and teaching assistants.

"I now want to expand my business and provide more training covering a wider area."

She has entered Richard Branson’s Virgin Voom business video pitching competition, in the hope of securing financial and business support.

She is hoping people will vote for her online.

Rebecca, 43, of Kirkgate, Cockermouth, has two young children and three stepchildren.

She was the last head of mathematics at Ehenside School in Cleator Moor before it closed in 2008.

She then lectured in mathematics education at Manchester Metropolitan University before retraining to lead primary maths professional development. 

She said: "The primary maths curriculum is really difficult. I feel so sorry for these teachers who have had it thrown at them with no support when it comes to teaching it.

"Many of them struggle to teach the difficult stuff, especially to children who find maths tough or in mixed age groups.

"I go into every tiny detail of the curriculum and train teachers how to use apparatus which is age appropriate, that might be clothes pegs, coat hangers or beads.

"I trialled it in various schools last year and the response was incredible.

"There’s nothing more rewarding than working with teachers and seeing them transformed from being stressed and demoralised to being confident and empowered to do the job they love really well."

On her website is a long list of Cumbrian teachers and headteachers indebted to Rebecca for her support.

She said: "I cannot meet the demand without recruiting and training more trainers. That's why I have entered the competition, in hope of getting some support."

To watch the video of Rebecca's Authentic Maths bid and vote go to  www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/authentic-maths

Voting closes on Monday, May 23.