I consider myself a native 'Teesdaler', born at Streatlam (not in the castle that had been knocked down before I arrived), grew up in Langledale and Stainton before moving to Barnard Castle.

Very much a country girl, I enjoy the beauty and freedom Teesdale offers.

My working background started as a humble accounts clerk for a local accountant, it was my role to analysis the information provided by clients, this often arrived loose in a carrier bag with notes written on the back of cigarette packets. I moved on to The Post Office where I eventually managed a number of major branch offices, my career with them lasted for 17 years and taught me about people, the importance of good customer focused services and how to work as a team.

When I left The Post Office it was, in theory, to spend quality time with my two children Jess and Rob but always a workaholic and not good at saying no, I ended up helping a small business in Teesdale grow and develop their services.

My life was then turned upside down when my husband decided to change direction and start his own business, this was very exciting but hard work starting from nothing, I was very much hands on setting up the business and managing it in the early days.

That took me to 1999 when a friend showed me the advert for a Business Advisor for The Enterprise Agency. I was fortunate and was appointed, the time I have spent at the Agency as a Business Advisor has been interesting, rewarding and enlightening.

Shaun Stuart encourages all his staff to develop and my latest achievement is the completion of the Association of Accounting Technicians. The Agency has flourished under the guidance of Shaun and I consider myself very lucky to work in a great team who all love their roles and support the clients beyond what is expected.

With two young children, one husband who keeps developing new ideas, two young horses, a dog and a cat my life outside of the Agency is hectic, however I try to find as much time as possible to enjoy my horses and ride with my children whenever we can, it's a great way of exploring Teesdale and clearing your head.