A LIFELONG passion for arts and crafts has inspired two sisters to create a craft supplies business in the heart of a former mining village.

Scrap 'n' Craft was opened in Horden, east Durham, on Saturday by 27-year-old Rachel Stirman and sister Emma Parsons.

Ever since they were children, their parents and grandparents encouraged the sisters' involvement in crafts.

Mrs Parsons, 36, said the hobby has stuck with them throughout their lives, so it was an obvious when they decided to go into business.

She said: "We both love crafting and want to share our passion for this hobby with others.

"It's really scary, but we want this to be a raging success and who knows, this could be the start of something really big."

The sisters stock a large supply of card-making kits, specialist papers, scrap books and children's craft kits.

They also plan to have regular demonstrations and workshops to teach people more about various forms of craft-making.

It is their first foray in running their own business after they got help from Easington Action Team for Jobs and business advice service Bizfizz.

Later this month, the sisters' customers will also be able to shop online, on the shop's website at www.scrapncraft.co.uk