THREE mothers are hoping to turn a lifetime's love of sewing and quilting into a business venture.

The North Yorkshire-based group is looking for a fresh venture after taking a break from work to bring up their children.

United by a love of sewing, they are to set up Plain Navy Quilting Supplies workshops and hope they lead to a business.

Sandra Morgan, 46, of Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, is keen to see the business succeed.

She is joined in the scheme by Kay Shevlin, of Yafforth, near Northallerton, and Elizabeth Simmons, of Glasshouses, near Pateley Bridge.

Mrs Morgan, a mother of three, said: "We are all mothers whose children have reached school-age and we are looking to return to the job market.

"We decided that textiles was the area we wanted to work in - our long-term ambition is to have a shop.

"I was taught needlework at school and the three of us all just have a similar love of sewing.

"It's very relaxing and I suppose if there is something you really, really like then you are good at it."

She said their venture will start with workshops, but their ambition is to grow at a pace.

"We have a business plan and we hope to have a shop open within five years in the area," she added.

The Plain Navy Quilting Supplies first workshop is at Rural Arts, on Westgate, Thirsk, on Saturday, September 29.

The workshops will introduce quilting and patchwork skills to people of both sexes and all ages.

The classes will also allow Plain Navy Quilting Supplies to sell one-off commissioned pieces from overseas.

It is hoped to take the workshops out on tour to village halls and other venues where an interest is shown.

The first workshop runs from 10am to 12.30pm on September 29 and costs £12 per person.

Booking is recommended and places are given on a first come first served basis.

For further details contact Mrs Morgan on 01609-770168 or 07709- 212111 or email plainnavyquilt ingsupplies@hotmail.co.uk