A NORTH-EAST couple are helping fund charity operations to Romania with profits from their glassware business.

Ian Paxton and wife Sue, of Stockton, set out on a mercy trip to Romania in 1991 to provide aid for children.

Since then, they have visited the country twice a year.

To help fund the trips, the couple set up their business which imports products from Romania to Britain.

The collections range from candlesticks, to decanters, sets of glasses and intricate fruit bowls.

Major glass and jewellery retailers in the area buy stock from the business, which has been running for six months.

Mike Mann, business advisor at Stockton Business Venture, said: "The assistance received from the team here has allowed Ian to concentrate on Romania and his long-term objectives there."