A 19-YEAR-OLD has become a franchisee of a videogame store after studying on a business course.

Paul Whitfield, from Nunthorpe, opened the store in the Market Place, Guisborough, after completing a business administration and information technology course with an IT training company and at Teesside University.

The former Stokesley School pupil is an avid games player and will be working full-time in the store, which opened last week and sells new and second-hand consoles, games, accessories and DVDs for the Chips videogame chain.

Paul said: "I have been really busy and everyone's reactions have been great. I am very happy and I know it was the right move to make."

Paul's parents, Alan and Pat, are assisting him in the venture.