A RECORD number of requests for help from people interested in starting their own business have been received by a local council.

Stockton Borough Council said it had awarded 92 grants to people in the borough who had approached it with ideas for self-employment.

The council's People into Enterprise scheme, which provides funding for market research and training, said many of the successful applicants had now set up in business.

Annette Nylund, the council's business development officer, said: "The fund is there to encourage residents to consider self employment as a viable option.

"Many people have hobbies that they would love to make a living from and we want to help them find out if that could be a realistic possibility."

Stockton resident Diane Templeton was awarded a grant last September after she developed the idea for a home delivery service for bird food.

Mrs Templeton came up with the idea from her husband, who is interested in pigeons. She now runs the business, called Squeakers, with her husband and has customers all over Tees Valley.

She said: "It's been difficult but we really enjoy it and get a buzz when we see the smiles on our customers' faces."