Mandy Scott is celebrating ten years of flying the flag for North-East businesswomen this week.

The 34-year-old has come a long way since she began making flags on her sewing machine at home in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham.

Her company, AA Flags, on Park Road Industrial Estate, Consett, has become one of the leading makers of traditional flags in the UK.

Ms Scott set up the firm in 1992, with financial help from her father and Derwentside Industrial Development Agency.

Within two weeks, she employed her first member of staff, working from the converted cellar of her home.

Now, with a staff of 22, AA Flags is one of the largest employers in her home town.

Her business skills were recognised last year when she won the title of North-East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

But not one to rest on her laurels, she celebrated ten years of success by launching a sister company, called Air Raisers, which will make giant inflatable tubes, shapes and characters for the marketing and advertising industries.