A Bishop Auckland woman was so impressed by the safety and results of the latest tanning technology from the US that she has set up a business, with the help of the Prince's Trust.

Beverly Robson, 27, from Etherley Dene, who is married with two young sons, was unemployed when she developed her business idea after watching a television programme about safe tanning.

She said: "I did some research on the Internet and the more I learnt, the more impressed I became.

"I am convinced that this new method of tanning is the way forward."

Mrs Robson has invested in one of the tanning machines and installed it in her salon, called Healthy Tan, in Bishop Auckland's Robson Street.

The machine sprays customers for six seconds with a fine mist of tanning lotion. A tan develops in three hours and stays on the skin for up to 14 days.

The Prince's Trust provided a £1,500 loan and a grant of £500 to enable Mrs Robson to equip her premises.

Business area manager Brenda Baxter said: "The trust supports more than 400 young North-East people into business every year and tries to match each one with a mentor to provide experienced guidance to the business in their early years.

"Beverly's business idea is very new, but has so many obvious health benefits she has every chance of success."