THE little things in life can be a struggle for the disabled - brewing a cuppa, taking a shower or tying your shoelaces.

However, a North-East business means help is now at hand.

Independence Restored, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, sells household items for the disabled, and people can test the goods while visiting a replica house.

The business, on the Drum Industrial Estate, is the brainchild of Keith Smith.

He said: "There are five aids to help making a cup of tea. First there are height-adjustable stools, just in case the person cannot stand for long periods of time.

"Then there is the turn-tap, which is a tap adaptor that eases the strain on the wrists when adding the cold water. After that, they could use a specially-designed kettle tipper, which enables the user to safely pour the boiling water, followed by a plug adaptor, while even having the peace of mind that the tea will still be hot when they sit back down, due to their insulated mug."

Mr Smith designed the showroom after asking the disabled what stores lack.

With the help of Chester-le-Street and City of Durham Enterprise Agency, it opened last week.