AFTER ten years as an air hostess, budding entrepreneur Clare McBride has set up her own business selling her favourite item - shoes.

The 31-year-old has invested about £50,000 to launch her first shoe shop, Rubie Heels, in the region and hopes to open two more soon.

Selling brands including Pure Lopez and Audley sourced from Milan, Mrs McBride's boutique-style shop is at the top end of Yarm high street, near Stockton.

"I wanted the shop to be quite unique, with an individual style and look. Since opening, the response has been tremendous," she said.

"I'm hoping to open another couple of shops in the North-East, perhaps in Newcastle's Jesmond or Corbridge."

Mrs McBride, from Yarm, gave up her job as an air hostess last year after getting married and deciding to work in the retail sector.

"I stopped flying just over a year ago because I decided it was time I got my feet back on the ground and do something that I knew I would really enjoy," she said.

"I got a lot of help from Business Link to draw up a business plan and the premises just came along at the right time."

The shop sells boots, shoes as handbags and accessories, with a small clothing line coming soon.

Yarm already has leading designer shoe shop, &eve, and recently Buckles, which also has a store in Darlington's Grange Road, opened in Fairfax Court, off the High Street.