FREE advice is available for people planning to start their own businesses.

Rossmere and Seaton Grange Residents' Association (RSGRA) in Hartlepool has expanded its team with the appointment of Liz Ashton as enterprise development officer.

Based in Jutland Road Community Centre, Ms Ashton can advise people on all aspects of self-employment, ranging from developing a business plan and organising cash flow to marketing, taxation, and book-keeping.

As well as helping new businesses grow, she can also guide new firms on ways of tapping into various support grants.

Ms Ashton said: "It's an exciting opportunity, because small businesses are so important to the growth of the economy.

"We never turn anyone away on the grounds that they don't fit the right criteria.

"Each would-be new business is an individual case with specific needs, and we treat it as such."

RSGRA has also welcomed another new face to the team. Sue Pearson handles a wide range of office duties.

The posts have been funded by money from the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund