FINDING the right career path to follow when you leave school is not always easy, but for two teenagers the answer was in a crystal ball.

Carley Bowen and Samantha Robson have set up their own clairvoyance business, giving professional readings for clients at their shop in Stockton.

The two 18-year-olds conduct the tarot card and psychic readings from the upstairs room of the premises, off Stockton High Street.

The shop only opened this week, but already the friends are predicting a bright future for the business, which offers crystal ball readings for £4 a time.

Carley, from Middlesbrough, said: "We've had a lot of people come in already and they have been really pleased with the readings."

"When they first see us and see how old we are, you can see they're surprised," said Samantha.

"But when they go away at the end of the session they are not disappointed."

In the reception area downstairs items on sale include charms and astrological readings.

Carley said she had been able to see spirits all her life, and had her first "out-of-body" experience on her nine birthday.

She said: "Sometimes I can see them, as if they were in the room with me. Other times I can hear or smell them.

"When I was very young I used to be scared, but then I learnt how to use my gift and it doesn't worry me now."

After attending classes in clairvoyance at a spiritualist church in Middlesbrough, Carley and Samantha approached local cafe owner Rod Jones, who helped them set up the business.

Half of the profits will go towards his charity, Convoy Aid, which takes aid to disadvantaged children in Romania.

Both of the girls said that family and friends had been very supportive of their unusual venture.

Samantha said: "When my mum found out I could do readings, the first thing she did was to invite all her friends round to have a go."