A FORMER sheet metal worker and marine fitter have turned their attention to a saucy business venture.

Friends Len Sullivan and Terry Kane have swapped their daily routines as managing directors of an engineering recruitment agency in South Shields, to open a lingerie store in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham City.

Management and day-to-day running of the store will be overseen by Karen Turnbull, the recruitment agency's operations director, with Messrs Sullivan and Kane concentrating on the more strategic side of the business.

Flirt's choice of brands include Chantelle, Allumette, Simone Perelle, La Perle and Passionata.

The business is a long way from the industry in which they have both spent the past 17 years, but Sullivan and Kane have been happy to invest a substantial amount of money in the project.

Mr Sullivan said they had the idea a few years ago when they realised there was little competition in Durham for designer underwear.

Ms Turnbull said: "Women's attitudes towards clothing and fashion have changed significantly in the past 20 years. They are spending more on underwear because they have more disposable income than they ever had."