A Redcar equestrian is riding high after turning his hobby into a new career.

Jonathan Lewis, 29, has gone self-employed, selling his own oil paintings and pastels of horses and is also selling bridles, saddles and blankets at equestrian events and fairs across the Noth-East.

The young entrepreneur is also selling antiques, books, first edition magazines and artefacts - all with a horse theme.

Part qualified as a riding instructor, he is hoping that his new business venture will help him on the way to finishing his exams and doing more teaching as well as owning his own three-year-old dressage horse.

When he decided to take the plunge he turned to the Redcar branch of InBiz, the national business support organisation with its roots in the North-East, which helps people move from unemployment to self employment.

He was given his own Business Adviser and put on a Government New Deal 25+ programme and his confidence has soared.

Terry Owens, Chief Executive of InBiz, said he was pleased that Jonathan was realising his ambitions.