A FLIXTON entrepreneur has hit the ground running thanks to a funding boost from Sir Richard Branson.

Kimberly Whittam, aged 26, founded The 3 o'Clock Club, which provides schools with resources to teach life skills to children with special educational needs.

The education company secured a Start Up Loan of £4000 from Sir Richard Branson's Virgin StartUp company, to get the business off the ground.

Kimberly said: "Starting a business is a huge adventure. Just getting to this point and welcoming our first customers has been hard - but rewarding - and it wouldn't have happened without support from Virgin StartUp. I'm delighted they believed in my business and I look forward to helping schools teach vital skills to their pupils."

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder, said: "The 3 o'Clock Club has found a niche in the education market and has a convincing plan on how to establish themselves and grow.

"Entrepreneurialism, like that shown by Kimberly Whittam, is vital for our economy and I'm delighted to support the next generation of British businesses.

"I wish The 3 o'Clock Club every success and look forward to watching the business go from strength to strength."

For more information visit: the3oclockclub.co.uk.