AN eighteen-year-old internet entrepreneur from Manorbier is already selling his own product all over the world - barely a year after leaving school.

Jack Lear, a former pupil of Greenhill School, Tenby, set up his own company selling 'bodysocks' - all-in-one lycra fancy dress costumes - in April last year.

He spotted a gap in the market for affordable fancy dress, and devised the 'bodysock' after carrying out research and sourcing manufacturers in China.

Jack said he had received some great feedback.

"They've been used for lots of different occasions, including stags, festivals, parties, and charity ventures," he said.

"Last week I was sent some photographs from customers in the Caribbean, who had worn them for a regatta."

His website http://www.bodysocks.co.uk">www.bodysocks.co.uk has already been translated into German, is currently being translated into French, and he is in process of developing websites for Australia and the United States.

Key to the development of his business has been the support of Wendy Harris, youth enterprise officer from 'Small Steps to Enterprise', a project providing support and mentoring for young people between the ages of 14 and 25.

The Pembrokeshire County Council project offers a one-to-one mentoring service with advice on business planning and becoming self-employed. There is also the opportunity for test trading and marketing.

Jack has been using the service since last July and said he found it very useful.

"I'd definitely recommend it to others," he said. "It's great to have someone who you can ask advice about regulations and other practical aspects of setting up a business.

"They can also put you in touch with people who can advise you on other issues."

After receiving support from Wendy in completing his business plan, Jack applied for a £500 'Small Steps to Enterprise' loan in January, after making a presentation to a panel of directors at Pembrokeshire County Council.

The interest-free loan sponsored by Pembrokeshire Lottery is payment free for two months, with repayments at £50 per month after this period.

The loan was awarded to Jack to help him furnish premises in Pier Road, Pembroke Dock, for which he has recently secured the lease.

Due to the significant increase in demand for bodysocks, his dad's garage was no longer big enough for the office and storage space Jack needs.

Winner of Radio Pembrokeshire's 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' award, Jack has recently expanded the products on offer.

He has ventured into selling accessories to complement the huge variety of bodysocks that he offers, from bold one-colour suits to the more premium joker and tuxedo suits plus - soon to arrive - Olympic flag suits.

If you think you would benefit from the services offered by the 'Small Steps to Enterprise' project, please contact Wendy Harris on 01437 775648 or email [email protected]">[email protected]