A COUNTY Durham woman with a passion for baking and a good brew has opened her own speciality tea shop.

Alison Harnett, of Fishburn, near Sedgefield, worked as a speech therapist for Durham County Council until she was made redundant last year.

However, the 41-year-old mother of three had long held an ambition to open a teashop and decided it was “now or never.”

She approached Five Lamps Enterprise - a charity that helps people start or expand their own business and improve their finances, and conducted extensive market research, including countless hours spent drinking tea and eating cakes while observing her competition.

And finally, after months of planning, her dream is now a reality. Tealicious Tearoom is open for business on Elvet Bridge in Durham City and Mrs Harnett could not be happier.

“I never expected it to be this busy, so I am absolutely delighted,” said Mrs Harnett.

“There are a lot of coffee shops serving a large variety of coffees but, as a tea drinker, I often find it hard to get a decent cup of tea.

“We serve a selection of specially blended loose leaf teas and they are proving a big hit.”

For more information and advice on starting your own business contact Five Lamps Enterprise on 01642-608316.