Matt Scott, from Washington, has big ambitions for his trainer design company Mes Footwork

THE inspiration for student Matt Scott's unusual business lies in the quest for a unique gift for his girlfriend.

I wanted to do something different and personal combining what she liked, and all girls like shoes," said the 20-year-old from Washington, Wearside.

"I got blank trainers and covered them in pictures of us. I used transfer glue to stick them on and she loved them. They sparked a really good reaction and her friends loved them too and asked me for pairs.

"I thought if so many people like the idea, then I would start a business for people to design their own trainers."

Since establishing Mes Footwork in January, he has sold more than 50 pairs of trainers, with designs submitted online and the Newcastle University marketing management student turning them into reality.

And he already has big ambitions for his business.

"I have bigger plans for a production line in mind. It would be mainly machinery with a few operators and I would like to base it in the North-East," he said.

"I am meeting the head buyer of a major footwear retailer to discuss the possibility of them stocking limited-edition trainers."

"I am hoping to develop the website more and I am putting a lot of time into that at the moment."

Mr Scott said running his own business was a huge challenge, and encouraged others to find the courage to go it alone.