A young Cornish couple who refused to move out of the county to seek their fortunes have built a business with a turnover well in excess of £100,000 in just 18 months.

From their home in Penhallow Close, Mount Hawks, Bill Deakin and Cressy Chapman run a Kleeneze franchise.

Bill, who was born and grew up in St Agnes, is a graduate of Manchester University.

"Half of my friends wanted to move back to Cornwall after University and the others moved to the City for well paid jobs.

For me there was no choice because after three years in Manchester I didn't want to stay away from Cornwall any longer."

Bill, who is a self-employed web designer, has his interest in Kleeneze sparked by a business card stuck on the window of his car.

"I thought there was potential there but didn't know whether it would for me. I didn't really expect that much."

He and Crissey now head a team of 15 and have just been to an all expenses paid 5-star trip to Budapest.

They hope their franchise of Kleeneze, which operates catalogue sales, will reach a £250,000 turnover this year.

They already have a couple in their team from St Austell who are earning over £22,000 a year.

Bill added: "If someone had told me while studying at Uni that I'd be selling mops for a living, and enjoying it, I would have laughed. Whoever said we couldn't stay in Cornwall and have a successful career should take a look at the Kleeneze opportunity."