AN art company that uses lights to create its designs is looking to expand after receiving funding.

Light Up North has received a £5,000 loan from UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business support subsidiary.

The company was founded by Emma Krause and Dave Freeney and uses neon light technology to create a range of artwork from giraffes, mermaids and flamingos to house signs, mottos and events signs.

The pair, who live in Saltburn, east Cleveland, are now looking for more space as they currently work from Ms Krause’s garage and Mr Freeney’s workshop.

Ms Krause said: “We quickly realised the potential of pooling our ideas, skills and experience, and the response has been amazing.

“We were working flat out to complete Christmas orders and already have a very busy start to 2017.”

Sarah Thorpe, of UK Steel Enterprise, said: “We thought Light Up North’s works were stunning as soon as we saw them.

“Our regeneration fund may provide small amounts of finance compared to our packages of up to £1m available for large projects but, as Light Up North proves, they can be vital at an early stage.”