AN EARLEY resident taking part in a business competition is hoping to start a hand-made vegan soap shop.

Gabriella Nagy, owner of soap company Fairybalm, has enrolled into the female-oriented 'Back Her Business' competition.

The event, funded by Natwest, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Ulster Bank, will provide a £10,000 cash prize to the winner in the hopes this will help them fully establish their business idea.

In order to win, businesses taking part will have members of the public see their projects and pledge for the projects they like best.

ALSO READ: Woodley Town Council to launch survey to revamp youth outreach for first time since 2001

Prize money varies from £2,020 to £10,000 and all participants receive up to £500 grant funding.

Ms Nagy said: "My aim is to open a packaging free vegan artisan soap shop which would also be a place to host therapeutic courses of soap making, offer possibilities for apprenticeships and personal growth programmes through learning how to make soap for anyone who is interested."

Pledges will be available to be made from March 4, and the winning businesses will be announced on April 7.

For more information on Fairybalm, go to handmadesoaps.fairybalm.co.uk