LISA Chipchase has only been in business eight weeks, but already her thoughts are turning to expansion.

The 27-year-old, from Bishop Auckland, has opened a men's hairdressing salon with the help of the Prince's Trust, and is delighted with the way her firm, Retro, is building up.

She now has her eye on another part of her business premises, in Front Street, West Auckland, which she believes could be used for expansion.

Lisa escaped from "an 11-year rut" as a part-time hairdresser when the Prince's Trust gave her a £1,500 loan to start up her own business.

"I wanted to keep it simple," she said.

"Men's hairdressing seemed to be the perfect solution and customers really appreciate the no-frills, no-fuss approach.

"I knew the only way to start earning a decent salary was to work for myself, but I didn't know how to go about it."

Lisa made a good start when she attended the Wear Valley Business Development Centre, where business advisor Joan Dowson helped her put together a business plan.

They then put her in touch with the Prince's Trust, which supports more than 350 young people from the North-East every year. She was surprised and delighted when the trust accepted her plan.

"Self employment has its drawbacks, but it also has great benefits, not least being able to pay yourself a decent wage," she said