TRADE is going swimmingly for a new chippy thanks to support from a Keighley-based business mentor.

The Chip House, which opened less than six months ago, has taken on two part-time staff and has so far served-up about 9,000 bags of chips.

Behind the venture is Parveen Akhtar, who received backing from the Start & Grow programme and secured a £16,000 start-up loan.

As part of the programme, support was provided by business mentor Phil Harrison, from Airedale Enterprise Services (AES) in Keighley.

He helped Parveen obtain the funding and attend a business planning seminar.

Mr Harrison said: "Parveen was passionate about owning her business from the very beginning.

"And she has the ideas, energy and enthusiasm to grow the business and guarantee its success."

Parveen received over ten hours of support as part of Start & Grow, a national initiative run by Cavendish Enterprise and financed by the Regional Growth Fund.

She continues to meet regularly with Mr Harrison as she plans to further strengthen the Cottingley-based business.

Any businesses interested in the Start & Grow programme can contact AES on 01535 607775.