A NEW dining experience with a taste for all things African has got off the ground thanks to expert business support.

Cathy, Graham and Geoff Petersen, originally from Zimbabwe, opened their alternative eatery That African Steakhouse, in South Shields, after receiving backing from the Tyneside Economic Development Company (Tedco).

The restaurant, complete with authentic South African dcor, offers an extensive menu, with speciality char-grilled meat, but more adventurous traditional dishes are planned, such as crocodile tails, ostrich and venison.

The Petersens were forced out of their home in Zimbabwe by Robert Mugabe's regime, and moved to South Shields two years ago.

Cathy began running a bed and breakfast in the town but decided to branch out, believing she had found a gap in the market, and approached Tedco for advice.

It told her she was eligible for a loan and grant through the Prince's Trust and the South Tyneside Development Fund and New Entrepreneurial Scholarship.

She was also given advice on planning and environmental issues and took part in Tedco's start up business training programme. Cathy said: "The ongoing support I received was priceless and I cannot thank Tedco enough.

"Myself and my family are now fully employed in the restaurant and that was my main priority."

Sue Taylor, of Tedco, said: "They showed an excellent business sense and the restaurant itself is a credit to the family and their incredible hard work."