A Redcar equestrian is riding high after turning his hobby into a career.

Jonathan Lewis, 29, has become self employed, selling his own oil paintings and pastels of horses, as well as bridles, saddles and blankets at equestrian events and fairs across the North-East.

The young entrepreneur is also selling antiques, books, first edition magazines and artefacts - all with a horse theme.

Part-qualified as a riding instructor, he is hoping that his new business venture will help him on the way to finishing his exams and doing more teaching, as well as owning his own three-year-old dressage horse.

When he decided to take the plunge he turned to the Redcar branch of InBiz, the national business support organisation with its roots in the North-East, which helps people move from unemployment to self employment.

He was given his own business advisor and put on a Government New Deal 25+ programme and his confidence has soared