KITEMAN Malcolm Goodman hopes his new business will be a soar away success.

A world authority on Chinese and Japanese kites, he now plans to offer corporate kite-making sessions and open a kite museum in his home town of Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Mr Goodman, who is also a leading expert on other kites and kite craft, decided to press ahead with his plans after taking part in Enterprise Island.

That scheme was launched in 2003 and immediately attracted attention. Various venues across the region saw people from all walks of life explain their business ideas to experts before being whittled down to 20 enthusiastic applicants who were helped to turn their dreams into reality.

Mr Goodman became involved when Enterprise Island was offered in Teesdale, supported by One NorthEast, through the County Durham Economic Partnership, and by Teesdale District Council. He was among ten local people who received the practical help and skills needed to put their ideas into action.

Mr Goodman has, for 14 years, been the man behind one of the country's most successful kite festivals in Sunderland, which regularly attracts 70,000 visitors.

"I've been involved in kites for more than 30 years and have taken part and organised festivals in places, from Iceland to the Canary Islands," said Mr Goodman. "I realised that this knowledge could be the basis of a business but I recognised that I needed help to develop my idea further."

By joining the island, he and his fellow "castaways" benefited from six weeks of intensive business training in exciting environments, with input from inspirational speakers from industry.

"I think I would have found the prospect of learning about business plans and finance in a traditional classroom a bit daunting, but this was a really confidence-building approach," said Mr Goodman.

"The support I received is helping me to develop further my Kiteman operation of kite festivals, educational and corporate sessions, and will also give me the skills needed to get my museum off the ground in Middleton."

Mr Goodman, who has one of the world's largest collections of oriental kites, has exhibited in museums and galleries throughout England.

He has now bought a building in Middleton-in-Teesdale to provide a permanent home to display his kites and provide an unusual tourist attraction from next year.

Kate Macnaught, head of business support and enterprise at One NorthEast, said: "Malcolm's story is an excellent example of how, with the right level of support and advice in the right setting, people can be encouraged to develop their own businesses."