A FORMER taxi driver who set up a window cleaning business has received funding after winning a Dragons’ Denstyle event.

Paul Wallace won £2,500 for his business Wallace and Sons Cleaning Services, after taking part in the City of Sunderland College’s annual entrepreneurial event.

Mr Wallace, who is in the final year of an HND business and management course at East Durham College, established his business in August, and will take it full time from May. He will use his prize money to buy equipment.

Mr Wallace said: “I really enjoyed being a taxi driver, but the long and often unsociable hours meant I spent a lot of time away from home.

Running my own business allows me to be more flexible and I’m getting a great sense of achievement.

“I’m thrilled to have won the contest.

“The new equipment is environmentally- friendly, so I won’t be using detergents or harsh chemicals.”