EMPIRE Records is proving a bit hit on Ebbw Vale's Market Street for its founders, Andrew Legg and Andrew Matthews.

The two local musicians have crammed their shop with music to suit an eclectic range of tastes.

Their business was little more than a dream for several years as the two friends concentrated on playing in their rock band, The Afterlife.

"We started looking into what support was available to start a new business, and we were surprised by how much help was out there," said Andrew Legg.

"We decided to go for it and we're now very glad we did," said Andrew Matthews.

They approached UK Steel Enterprise - a subsidiary of Corus devoted to regenerating former steel communities - and were successful in securing a £2,300 grant from its Kick Start fund.

Kick Start was launched 18 months ago by UK Steel Enterprise, in cahoots with Blaenau Gwent council.

The aim was to help launch micro companies and create jobs at grass-roots level.

UK Steel Enterprise's Russell Grant said: "We've now helped over 20 small businesses like Empire Records and there are a number of applications in the pipeline.

"Empire Records is a good example of how the fund is benefiting the area, having helped to establish a business which is an asset to the community."

The two Andrews have also been supported by the Tredegar Development Trust and the Prince's Trust.

"We have a good stock of music in the shop, but if we don't have something we can normally get hold of it," said Andrew Legg.

"Our reputation for being able to find what people want is spreading, and we're building a good customer base."

* Pictured, from left, Andrew Legge, UKSE's Russell Grant and Andrew Matthews