support from Tees Valley Business Link has helped two friends realise their dream of opening an art gallery.

With guidance from the Start Right in Business Service, operated through Business Link Tees Valley, Alex Paisley and Jemima Blazdell opened their contemporary gallery, The Studio, in Low Church Wynd, Yarm, near Stockton, this week.

It is home to Ms Paisley's paintings and Ms Blazdell's sculptures, as well as works by other local artists.

After working with Peter Mitchell, a business advisor for City Centre Training, on a Prince's Trust business plan, Ms Paisley and Ms Blazdell were put in touch with Andrea Miles at Business Link.

As a micro-advisor, she helped prepare for the launch, giving the partners advice and helping them to develop a business plan.

Originally from Billingham, Teesside, Ms Paisley met London-born Jemima through a mutual friend. Their gallery specialises in wrought iron, glass design and jewellery, as well as private commissions.

Ms Paisley said: "Both Jemima and I knew how important it was to plan the whole thing properly, which is when we decided to contact Andrea and draw on the services of Start Right in Business.

"The network of support has been invaluable and we will continue to seek guidance in the future."

They were also helped by the Prince's Trust, through access to funding. Ray Crawford, business support manager for the Tees Valley region, worked in partnership with Business Link to help them establish the gallery.