BUILDER Nick Todd is hoping for a deluge of business after launching a flood prevention company.

The 42-year-old Hartlepool man specialises in minimising the effects of flooding, and is now selling flood prevention packages to homes and business all over the county.

Mr Todd, who offers a tailor-made service to customers, says his own experience of waking up to a flooded house has taught him the importance of being prepared.

He said: "After my experience, I was determined to do something about it so I got to work and installed flood prevention screens, modified drains and carried out other improvements.

"What is abundantly clear, despite the excellent work of the Environment Agency, is that a lot of people just do not really think about flood prevention until there is an emergency - and then it is often too late.

"I want them to be as aware about the subject as they are about preventing fires."

As well as installing anti-flood measures, he also gives lectures to public bodies, including councils and health authorities.

His business was set up with the help of the Hartlepool branch of InBiz, a national business support organisation which helps people find gainful employment after losing their job.

Mr Todd's firm, Home Fix Services, can be contacted on (01429) 891218.