A TEENAGER who started his own company has made it to Tuesday's finals of the Young Enterprising Brit Awards.

Although still only 13, Astley Soap Company boss James Kenyon has been making hand-made soaps, bath bombs and oils for two years.

The Bedford High School pupil first got his business idea at a craft fair in Scotland, where he saw a woman selling hand-made lotions and soaps. James realised the potential and soon began to research the craft.

Soon he had converted his parents' garage at the family home in Hawkworth, Astley, into a workshop and began production.

He now regularly attends craft fairs to sell his product and hopes to expand his business so it can become his full time occupation.

His mum Trish, a social worker with Salford City Council, already sees James' business potential and nominated him for the Young Enterprising Brit Award.

James then had to write a 500-word essay about his venture.

He was one of thousands who entered and was one of the chosen 24 to travel to London on Tuesday to give a presentation about his company before judges.

The winners will selected and presented with their prizes by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown.

With Christmas looming, James has started making up gift packages containing a variety of his products.

James said: "The business is going very well. I get a lot of orders by email from my website and staff at Astley St Stephen's School and Bedford High are among my customers.

"The products are very popular with the girls too!"