AN entrepreneur is making heroes and heroines out of North-East youngsters as part of a storybook venture.

Dave Stones first came up with the idea of starting a personalised book firm after being stumped for what to buy his 18-month-old twins for Christmas.

While browsing round a bookshop, he spotted special storybooks in which young readers were able to take starring roles.

He was so taken by the concept, that he thought he would develop it to start his own business.

Now Mr Stones, 43, of Burgess Street, Stockton, is doing a roaring trade in the personalised presents.

He said: "Although I already own my own carpet cleaning business, I thought producing personalised books would make a second career."

Despite having no experience as a publisher, Mr Stones set up Personalised Books, at Middlesbrough's Normanby Road Business Centre.

Using a computer programme, he started making hard-back books based on a range of children's tales, including stories about dinosaurs and lion cubs.

The grandfather-of-five said: "Customers choose the story they want and I get information from them about the person it is for - how old they are, where they live and what occasion it's for."

The company, launched a month ago, already has its own website, at www.personalisedbooks.inuk.co