SELF-EMPLOYED people across Teesside are putting the principle that they are a family into practice.

The people, who have been helped by Stockton-based Inbiz, a national organisation which helps the unemployed move into employment, are all helping each other to bring their individual skills to each other's ventures.

Terry Owens, chief executive of InBiz, said: "They know what it's like and do what they can to help. Each client has specific talents and if people starting out need work done, they are encouraged to contact other InBiz people who have been through the system.

"It may be that they put a price that is a little bit lower than they would normally pitch it at, but the back up and support is there and newcomers to business find that really reassuring."

Tanya Uemlianin has opened an environmentally-friendly babywear shop in Station Road, Redcar, and was put in contact with fellow Redcar InBiz client Caroline O'Brien, who used her one-woman painting and decorating business to do up the shop.

Skilled joiner Peter Edwards, from Middlesbrough, another client, helped with the fixtures and fittings.

"The idea is that InBiz is very much a family, with everyone helping each other," said Mr Owens.

"We're pretty proud of what InBiz clients achieve up and down the country and if they can help each other along the road to success, all the better."