THERE'S nothing tougher than starting up a new business, but when you are partially sighted the challenge is even greater.

But nothing is too much trouble for inspiring Jayne Mason who has overcome all the odds and set up her own children's dance wear and fancy dress hire shop in York. After a parachute jump for a blind charity near Bridlington recently, this was going to be a doddle.

With the help of an assistant, subtle changes have been made inside the shop that mean Jayne's being partially sighted does not create any problems - luggage labels with bigger print are used and the manufacturer's price list has been enlarged. Now she is entering her happy little shop in the Evening Press New Business of the Year category of the Evening Press Business Awards.

Mrs Mason, no stranger to shop work, noticed a gap in the market for children's dance wear and fancy dress hire.

The mother-of-two's own research at dance schools and local drama groups, confirmed there was a demand and after childminding for eight years, she was up for the challenge.

She approached Future Prospects who assigned her a personal adviser, Mark Craven, who put her in touch with York, Selby and Malton Business Advice Centre. Mrs Mason was then signed up for the Fit for Business Programme.

She was also advised to contact Action for Blind People, where she received helpful funding advice that secured a total of £1,750 from The Blind Business Association Charitable Trust, Shaws and the Jobcentre.

She also received help from Harrogate and Craven Business Development Agency and Judith Campbell at Women In Rural Enterprise.

Continuing Mrs Mason's enterprising approach, a competition to name the shop was launched through the Evening Press. Reader, Ebony Watkins came up with the winning name, The Fancy Dance Shop.

The shop in Blossom Street has been open for just over a month now and it is getting off to a thriving start.

Updated: 12:15 Tuesday, August 17, 2004