IAN Hornsby has left unemployment behind him by putting his gardening skills to good use.

The 37-year-old has set up Country Garden Services, in South Moor, Stanley, County Durham, after taking part in a business awareness training programme run by The Bridge Enterprise Centre and Derwentside Industrial Development Agency (Dida).

Carol Howdon, community enterprise worker at the Bridge centre, in South Stanley, said: "This is an area of very high unemployment and we had a budget allocated specifically to help people start up in business.

"We approached Dida for help and they were very enthusiastic about the project. So far three people, including Ian, have started their own businesses and are doing well."

The Bridge centre is based in a converted terraced bungalow in the heart of the community. Funding from One NorthEast and the Northern Rock Foundation has been secured to allow it to expand into the house next door to provide extra space.

Ian was helped to apply for a £300 business start-up grant from Business Link, and is currently enjoying his business success.

He said: "I would recommend anyone to do this programme and strike out on their own. I have a lot more work than I expected and it's all coming from customers' recommendations.