A new wallpaper design business in Hartlepool hopes to take both the DIY and motorbike worlds by storm.

Moto X Design, based at Oxford Road in Hartlepool, was set up in January by husband and wife Susan and Andrew Gaffney, after the couple found it impossible to find motorcross wallpaper for their two sons Gary and Reece.

After remembering an artist who drew motorbikes and had appeared on a regional television news programme, Susan tracked down artist John Allen to see if he wanted to turn his hobby into a business.

Susan left a number of designs with him, which he turned into images to appear on the wallpaper and soft furnishings.

Eighteen months on and Moto X Design is now up and running with the help of Business Link.

The company is currently run out of Susan and Andrew's home but with orders flooding in from France, the US and Germany, as well as regional wholesalers and retailers, the search for larger premises has already started.

Susan contacted Andrea Miles, a micro business adviser with Business Link Tees Valley who provided advice and support, which helped the couple to get their business off the ground.

Following a successful three-day international decor exhibition in Germany in January, Moto X Design were able to contact manufacturers Caledonia International in Peterlee and production is now up and running.

The business has also been endorsed by the Auto Cycling Union (ACU), which allows the ACU logo to be printed on 100 different products.

Susan said: "Although it has been tremendously hard work, the feedback we have received from the exhibitions has been fantastic as our designs are unique and we are looking forward to expanding our operations."

Andrea Miles has also been impressed with Susan and Andrew's enthusiasm and commitment. He said: "Susan and Andrew have discovered an niche in the home dcor market and have created imaginative designs for children aged from six to sixteen. Business Link will continue to support them as they develop their business".