A FORMER funeral director who set up a business selling a range of funeral tribute cards is attracting interest from around the world.

Gwen Cooksey, of Butterknowle, County Durham, launched Colourstone Cards two years ago after she spotted a gap in the market for a range of cards to offer bereaved families for their floral tributes.

As well as supplying 40 tribute cards, the company has expanded to include cards for more than 20 occasions, including anniversaries, weddings and retirements.

A recent trip to an industry exhibition in Birmingham has led to interest from a number of countries, including approaches from companies in Portugal and China asking Colourstone to act as distributors.

The company also supplies cards to florists across the UK.

Mrs Cooksey said: "When I moved to County Durham, I decided the time was right to start my own business and got a lot of support for my idea from fellow funeral directors.

"I found a local artist and contacted the Teesdale Enterprise Agency, where I was given lots of backing and access to start-up funding."

Business Link County Durham has helped Colourstone to launch a website at www.colour stonecards.com