PHOTOGRAPHER Nikki Ramsay is in the frame of mind to do her own thing - after setting up a studio in her home town of Bedale to showcase her talents.

The 26-year-old's studio in Sussex Street was opened by Mayor of Bedale Amanda Coates.

Ms Ramsay had been working for a big national company doing school photographs after graduating from Northumbria University.

She said: “I decided to go freelance about three years ago, I wanted to do my own thing and be more creative and have been going to people’s homes and doing weddings and other events, but this year I decided I really needed a studio where people could come too.

“It’s hard work and it means I live at home because I am investing my money in the studio but it is a real boost having my own place.”

Coun Coates said: "We really wish Nikki well, it is so important to get young people into business in Bedale. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the town and this is the kind of company we want to encourage.”