CANOES and kayaks are a long way from frozen desserts and glasses but that did not stop one former Nestle worker and his wife from launching their own adventure business.

Terry Sinclair, 40, and wife Jenny, 38, decided to start The Family Adventure Store in Hilperton, when Mr Sinclair was made redundant when the Nestle factory at Staverton closed last year.

Mr Sinclair, who worked at Nestle for 20 years, said: "We have always been quite sports orientated and we have always wanted to set up a venture together. The redundancy payment gave us the means and the drive to go for it."

Mrs Sinclair gave up her job as an optician with Haine and Smith to be a part of the business.

Her husband said: "She has always enjoyed selling and engaging the public but this is a total change of product.

"The customers leave with a smile on their faces and you don't necessarily get that at an opticians."

The couple opened their store a year ago, selling canoes, kayaks, power kites, climbing holds and a host of other outdoor sports equipment.

About a third of their business is from customers who walk through the door, while the rest comes through their website and from visits to local shows.

The name of the store reflects the philosophy behind the business, which encourages people to do more activities as a family.

The couple and their children, Maddy, nine, and eight-year-old Laurie, enjoy taking part in outdoor sports such as canoeing and sailing dinghies and the girls have their own input into the family business.

"They are very involved in their own way. They come into the shop at the weekend and if the customers have children they play with them," Mr Sinclair said.

The store is right next to the Kennet and Avon Canal, which allows the perfect opportunity for customers to try out canoes, including large four-seater Canadian canoes, and kayaks before they buy.

The store will be closed tomorrow as Mr and Mrs Sinclair will be at the Devon County Show but normal opening hours, from 9am-5pm on weekdays and 9am-1pm on Saturdays, will resume next week.