TWO young mothers are hoping for a merry Christmas this year after setting up their own greetings card business.

Zoe Grant, 24, and Louise Wilkinson, 25, embarked on the venture after meeting at their children's school in Darlington and becoming friends.

Both had been suffering from depression but say their idea for affordably-priced hand-crafted cards and envelopes has helped them regain their zest for life.

Their ultimate aim is to open a card shop in the centre of Darlington, but for now they have applied for a Prince's Trust grant and are trying to build up a customer base in the town.

"We just started talking one day when we were picking up our kids from school and things led on from there," said Mrs Grant, of Lascelles Park.

"We both wanted our own business, but we needed to find something we could do from home because of the children."

The pair began meeting each day in Firthmoor Community Centre and with the help of residents thought up the idea for Crafty Cardz.

"Once we started to make them we were just away," said Ms Wilkinson, from Firthmoor.

"We realised we had that many ideas that we could start to sell them. Everyone in the centre really supported and encouraged us and loved our designs."

The company offers handmade cards for all occasions, ranging in price from 60p to £2.50. The cards can be personalised with people's names.

"It has given us something to take our mind off stuff," said Mrs Grant.

"We had both been bereaved by the loss of a parent, which led to the depression, but now we are really looking forward to the future."

Ms Wilkinson said: "Neither of us knew we were in the least bit artistic until we started doing this. It has really boosted our confidence and made us realise we can be successful. Now we just need to start making some money."

To order cards from Crafty Cardz call 07714 549439.