TWO former soldiers could become the latest businessmen to make their fortune from the internet.

Mr Derek Johns and Mr Trevor Beal, pictured, both of Ripon, have set up their own catering web site. They are in discussions with London investors who are considering investing up to £500,000 in the venture.

Mr Johns, a former Ward 2 officer who was stationed in Catterick and Ripon, set up www.cateringark.co.uk with his partner, Mr Beal, a former Army sergeant.

They hit upon the idea after scouring the internet - and spotting a gap in the market. "You read about all these 'dotcom' millionaires in the paper," said Mr Johns.

"The only thing we knew was catering, so we scanned the net. There was nothing apart from a site where you could buy catering equipment, and one where you could buy wine."

Having realised there was no umbrella catering site, he took his idea to his friend, Mr Beal, who designed the web site.

"We've set up a one-stop shop including everything to do with catering," said Mr Johns. "We're even advertising chefs' CVs. Wine merchant Playford Ross is advertising with us, as is RB distributors, which sells catering equipment."

The site, which took a year to produce, also includes recipes and a second-hand catering equipment section. It will soon feature an on-line NVQ course, so chefs can train without ever leaving the hotel or restaurant.

Mr Johns, aged 42, spent 22 years in the Army, and now works for Peacock's cash and carry in Richmond. "In the forces, I only received the supplies and took it from there. Having worked now from the supply and delivery end, I can see both sides. In total, I've had 25 years in catering. It's put me in good stead for what we're doing now.