A 20-YEAR-OLD is urging young people to chase their dreams after risking thousands of pounds to set up his own business.

Like many other people, Alex Purslow, of Carlisle Close, Mobberley, was struggling in the credit crunch.

But when he saw the rights to a valeting business on sale on eBay for £8,000, he sold his car and begged and borrowed from his family in order to turn it into a reality.

Alex is now enjoying success with V Team Valeting, and wants to convince other young people that with hard work there are still opportunities out there.

He said: “When I saw the business on eBay I talked to my parents Joanne and Garry, and they were keen for me to put my heart and soul into this new venture.

“Although things are not easy at the moment, with paying out for the van and the high price of insurance, I want to do my upmost to get this venture off the ground.

“I don’t want to be a young lad who just sits around all day doing nothing.

“I want to encourage other young people to follow their dreams and to give things a go.

“Starting a business in the recession is very tough, but it can also be very rewarding.”

Alex also wants to start raising money for the British Heart Foundation through his new venture after his nan Joan Reid suffered two heart attacks.