A Newport woman has teamed up with eight others to open The Umbrella Project, in Church Road in the city.

Janet Parsons started the project, which is aimed at giving small local businesses the opportunity to rent some retail space, giving themselves a shopfront for their products.

Janet said: "Currently we have nine retailers and the obvious advantages are the shared cost/risks which has given us the incentive to 'have a go'."

The businesses include: Well and Truly Pickled - chutneys and preserves; Not so Naughty - organic food and eco friendly products; Form - wooden lamps; Paraphanalia - handmade gifts and jewellery; Julia's Crafts - soft toys and fabric crafts; Susie D Designs - semi precious jewellery; Green Shed Needlecrafts - handmade quilts; Pow! - contemporary art; and Louise Horton Illustration and Design - greetings cards.

The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.