A County Durham business is now taking hundreds of people on adventure-style holidays around the world.

The Overland Club, in Sedgefield, was founded by Ron Smith as a hobby in 1994 and began with one converted safari truck and a single expedition.

It now has a fleet of 12 converted Overland vehicles offering expeditions throughout Africa, South America, the Middle East, Egypt, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

The company employs 16 tour guides and drivers, caters for more than 700 travellers a year and expects a turnover of more than £500,000.

"Our rapid growth over the past two years can be attributed to our new website - www.overlandclub.com - developed and part-funded by Business Link County Durham, as well as taking on board John Taylor as marketing and sales consultant, who was employed initially through the Entrust Graduate into Enterprise scheme," said Mr Smith.

* Details of Business Link County Durham's information technology and other support is available on 0191-374 4000 or at www.blcd.co.uk