Microsoft has claimed that the available places for this year's Microsoft UK Challenge in Scotland are down to single digits.

Of the 120 teams competing 35 come from IT companies, including those from Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP and Microsoft, and they will undergo a variety of physical and mental challenges over four days.

These include problem solving, mountain biking, code cracking, kayaking, long distance orienteering and construction.

Katrina Nabavi, team captain of the 2007 Dell team, said: "It was brilliant to win the IT cup last year. Not only did we beat the other teams within the industry, it was great to be the best of the Dell teams there.

"Competing against some of the best teams in the world was a fantastic experience and we are looking forward to defending our title this time round."

The winners of the UK leg will go on to France for the international Intelligent Sports final later this year.

Last year the teams raised £500,000 for the NSPCC, and over £600,000 has been pledged this year.