A SELF-confessed coffee fanatic who became unemployed last year has set up a new licensed coffee house in Yarm High Street.

Steve Ashman opened Mint Hobo in December.

It has late opening hours and a drinks licence - making it different to other coffee shops - and serves wines, beers and spirits as well as light food.

Mr Ashman was employed as a store manager for a large supermarket for 20 years and is experienced in both food retail, management and customer service.

But he had never run a business of his own and asked for enterprise help from Stockton-based charity Five Lamps, which included market research, staffing, advertising and a business plan.

Mr Ashman said: "Being unemployed for the first time after a fortunate 30 years' work is daunting enough, coupled with opening a business is scary.

"At a time when your confidence may be at its lowest you need to be at your most confident."

Five Lamps Business Advisor Ian Garforth said: “Steve was a pleasure to work with. His management experience and local knowledge stood him in good stead, but a lot of hard work has gone into this business."