STEAM power is paying dividends for a young entrepeneur.

Miss Kerry Wilford has set up Full Steam Ahead, an ironing service, after noticing a gap in the market in Darlington.

The 26 year-old, of Sutcliffe Court, Darlington, hit upon the idea while working part time as a nanny. "I had been approached by several people about doing ironing on top of my nanny duties," she said.

"I looked into it and found there was a couple of ironing services in Newton Aycliffe listed in the phone book, but no-one in Darlington."

She had help setting up the business from Start Right Business services, based in Morton Park, Darlington.

At the beginning of August, armed with a business plan, a new ironing board and iron, she began advertising.

"It's taken off really well, and I have only just started advertising in Darlington itself. Before that I concentrated on the surrounding villages," she said.

Although she looks after a two-and-a-half year-old during the day, she irons while her little charge enjoys an afternoon nap.

"I also get some done in the evenings," she said. "My boyfriend is a fireman so he sometimes works nights anyway. I do iron his uniform, but I don't charge him for it!"

Her paying customers range from busy working women to men who can't manage their shirts. "I charge 65p per shirt and 50p for all other items. Children's clothing and bedding is done by weight - £1 per pound," she said.

With business clients interested in her services, the future looks bright for Full Steam Ahead. "I'm in discussions with a local hotel about doing their pillow cases and table linen.

"If that takes off, I might even have to take on some staff. For the time being my mum will help out, so fingers crossed, I can juggle things about to find time for it all.