A FORMER engineer is recruiting more staff as his home and garden improvements business booms.

Kelvin Baird, 32, a former engineer with Eatons in Newton Aycliffe, set up Who Did Your...? this year in Castleside, near Consett, County Durham.

The firm specialises in loft conversions and garden makeovers, and has completed commissions across the North and in Ireland.

It has grown to employ seven tradesmen and apprentices. He has just taken on a supervisor and is looking for more.

Mr Baird, whose wife, Tracy, helps with the administrative work, said: "The business started when I did a garden design for a friend and has really taken off without me doing any advertising.

"We are now taking on apprentices in joinery and bricklaying to train people our way."

Mr Baird received help from Derwentside Industrial Development Agency (DIDA), the same agency that 12 years ago placed him with Eatons, in its Step programme for undergraduates.

* To take part in the Step scheme, companies and individuals can contact DIDA on (01207) 580011.