A NORTH-EAST fashion entrepreneur has shared her business experiences with a star from TV's Dragons' Den.

Hannah Proctor launched vintage fashion firm Aphrodite and Ares from her bedroom, in Billingham, near Stockton, and is being supported by a £6,300 loan from Gateshead-based Transmit Start-Ups.

The 22-year-old was chosen as part of a select group to meet James Caan in London to pick up some advice.

She told Mr Caan, who is chairman of The Start-Up Loans Company, about her vintage shopping website and its ongoing success.

She said: “It was really inspirational and Mr Caan explained why start-up businesses like mine were so important.

“We talked about my plans for the future and he was extremely supportive and even suggested that if I sent him some images of my clothes, he would re-tweet them for me, which would be a huge boost.”

Damian Baetens, director of Transmit Start-Ups, who mentors Hannah as well as giving her financial support, said it was a great opportunity for her to meet an inspirational business leader.

He said: “Despite her young age, Hannah has a really sound business head and ambitious plans to exploit her unique offer.

“James Caan is one of the country’s most inspirational entrepreneurs and it is a chance in a lifetime to discuss your own business plans with him.”