THE demise of the corner shop has been turned into a business opportunity by Chris Ball.

He is out and about to bring the everyday essentials to communities in North Gwent, where businesses run by small traders are in decline.

Pensioners, the disabled, young people and anyone without transport are already benefiting from Chris's Mobile Shop, which completes regular rounds in Waundeg, Llanelly Hill, Winchestown, Coed Cae and Clydach.

The store on wheels sells household necessities, sweets, bread, milk, crisps and other items, and Chris is planning to expand the round with a second vehicle.

As an experienced driver, Chris had been looking for ways to turn his skills into a business.

He approached the UK Steel Enterprise Kick Start Fund, and after advice from Blaenau Gwent county borough council and Venture Wales, his application for a £750 grant was approved.

Well known in the local community through his work as bus driver, Chris is relishing the challenge.

"We are aiming at the areas where people have to travel to get their shopping," he said. "People who find it difficult to do so are delighted that we are able to come to them."

Andy Morris, regional executive of UK Steel Enterprise, a Corus subsidiary which helped create the Kick Start fund with a £60,000 donation, said: "We are delighted that Chris is on the road to a new career."

The Kick Start fund has now helped around a dozen ventures get off the ground.

* Pictured: From left, Julie Collett, Andy Morris, of UK Steel Enterprise, and Chris Ball