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Twenty-five year old Wes has transformed his garden into a purpose-built play paradise for his young family, including two-year-old daughter Anastacia.

He began making the wooden equipment two years ago and is now receiving advice from a scheme called 'Biz Fizz' to try to start-up in business.

The features include a playhouse, swing-bars, ball pit and traditional swings.

"I get a lot of satisfaction seeing the kids playing on the equipment that I've made," says Wes. "With it being in my back garden, and doing it myself, I've been able to do it as I want it.

"The kids feel better coming into the garden and I feel better because I can see what they're doing....they're having plenty of fun."

Self-taught

Wes has picked-up the creative skills himself. "I've really wanted to do this and the only way I could do it without spending years at college is by teaching it all myself."

Among the admirers of Wes' handy-work is his partner, Joanna. "It looks beautiful, it's good quality and he works hard. He does everything to please the children. It's in the back garden so it's safe for them. It's lovely."

Wes Clifton and daughter with toy swing

What's Biz Fizz?

The 'Biz Fizz' scheme offers practical support and advice for new enterprises. It is part of a national project which targets local communities. Councils in Ashfield, Mansfield and Bolsover were successful in bidding for government cash through the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative.

Wes's 'Biz Fizz' coach, Jeremy Waterfield, says although there will be competition from large companies, it is a worthwhile challenge for the young man from Nottinghamshire.

"It's a bit of a David and Goliath situation for Wes, but the thing that impresses me about him is that he is so passionate and determined to do what he feels he's best at. And he'll give it a real go.

"Generally, the main help the 'Biz Fizz' coaches can give is their time and support. We are not traditional business advisors in the sense we will assess someone's business idea and pronounce whether it is good or not - that is not our role.

"We are here to coach our clients and to help them fulfil the dreams they aspire to."

Wes is hoping to start a business not only making children's play equipment but other garden furniture, including decking. He is receiving advice on issues such as health and safety guidelines and insurance.

"I'm very hopeful about it," he says. "It'll benefit a lot of people."

Anyone wanting more information about 'Biz Fizz', which is a free service, can contact Jeremy Waterfield on 07976 830721.