A YOUNG businesswomen is all fingers and thumbs after launching a manicure shop.

Ellen Marshall, 24, embarked on the enterprise after being inspired by a buoyant American industry.

Certain that acrylic nail extensions, decorated manicures and embossed 3D nails would be just as popular in Britain, she contacted the Middlesbrough branch of InBiz, a national support agency.

With its help, she opened her own shop, aptly named Fingers and Thumbs, in the town's Borough Road.

The trained nail therapist, who lives in Middlesbrough, said: "A friend spurred me on by telling me to be more ambitious.

"The InBiz training scheme was a very useful programme, and my business advisor was very kind and helpful."

Terry Owens, InBiz chief executive, said: "Ellen has seen her dream turn into a reality thanks to the programme and her hard work, and we wish her well for the future.