A MOTHER-OF-TWO who set up her own business last year hopes to enter the Dragons' Den to expand it across the region.

Vicky Lloyd is en route to opening new franchises of, NE Day Crafts, less than a year after she founded the children's craft business.

She hoped initially to open up to three new franchises across the region but needs new funding and advice to realise her goal.

She has approached the producers of BBC's entrepreneurial television programme Dragons' Den.

Mrs Lloyd hopes to gain £60,000 from the panel, which includes North-East based Duncan Bannatyne, for a share in the firm.

She is through to one of the final stages of the competition and said she was now waiting for a phone call which could lead to an appearance on the show.

Mrs Lloyd said: "I have got through the first stage which is the main thing. In the past, I have won a competition to become a Yummy Mummy which might hold me in good stead.

"If I get the phone call I will be invited to an audition.

"Because the business is so unique and because of the company name, it would great to franchise it across the North-East.

"It will get the domain name out there."

Mrs Lloyd set up her business last May, holding creative workshops for children and selling creativity kits for parents.

She came up with the idea after struggling to find crafts for her two children, Ellie, seven, and Dylan, four, but had no idea how successful it would prove to be.

She produced a one-stop creativity kit for parents who want to encourage their children to be more artistic.

During the summer, she also attended several workshops at children's centres in Darlington and Castlegate Shopping Centre, in Stockton.

Earlier this month, she also held a launch event at hew new premises in Hurworth Grange, near Darlington.

She has even had orders come in from France and Germany for her kits.

Mrs Lloyd added: "I've really enjoyed running the business so far, so fingers crossed that I have a great year and get the chance to pitch it in front of the Dragons."

For more details see www.nedaycrafts.co.uk.