A YOUNG entrepreneur has realised his ambition to set up his own business thanks to help from local organisations.

Adam Shaw, who graduated from Northumbria University with a business management degree, took over the Easy Clean Car Valeting business, located in Leadenhall Street, behind Northgate, last year.

Mr Shaw's company offers car valeting from £3 while customers wait. He said: "I have a huge passion for cars and when the business opportunity came up, I knew that I could put my three-year business degree to the test.

"I aim to be the best valeting firm in the North-East. We are the car wash that cares."

Mr Shaw got funding from Darlington Borough Council's business support team and Business Link's Tees Valley Operation to set up his business and to provide funding towards the wages of his first employee.

He said: "The financial help and the support and advice has been invaluable.

"As my business started to grow I realised I needed to employ someone and the council put me in touch with the Morrison Enterprise Trust.

"The council's wage subsidy helped me in the first few weeks of taking on my first employee, and I also plan to invest in professional training for my staff and the council have agreed to help me with the cost.

"My dreams of running my own business have been realised much sooner with the help from all organisations."

David Lyonette, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "We have a range of business support services to assist new and established businesses.

"I am delighted to see that Mr Shaw has been able to access the help and it is excellent news that he is employing people in his new business so soon after taking it over. I wish him continued success."

Easy Clean Valeting Services is available on (01325) 486744.