BUSINESSMAN Ian Green has turned his love of tea into a business.

Mr Green, 54, of Corsham, has set up an unusual mail order business selling tea bags from all over the world via the Internet.

The idea came to him after he was made redundant.

An ardent tea drinker, he found himself increasingly frustrated by difficulties in obtaining his favourite tea, Russian Caravan in bags, and so the inspiration to become a specialist supplier of quality tea in bags was born.

Mr Green said: "Experts agree there is no reduction in quality of tea made from tea bags, they are just much more convenient and less messy than loose tea."

The business he has built up offers a selection of black and green teas from the world's major tea-growing areas.

It includes traditional blends such as Assam, Ceylon and Darjeeling to more exotic blends including Formosa Oolong, China Green Gunpowder, Russian Caravan and Rwanda which is only available from Mr Green's company The Wiltshire Tea Company.

The company also produces its own special blend combining Assam for strength, Ceylon for colour and African for flavour. All teas are supplied in boxes of 40.

Mr Green is a former management accountant. He contacted Business Link to help him set up the company and experts designed the website www.wiltshiretea.co.uk

"Starting a new business is quite a daunting prospect and there is a very steep learning curve," he said.

"But having completed a number of Business Link courses, I now have a much better grasp of important issues such as legal implications, business planning and marketing. I now feel very confident about my future."

Mr Green is offering tasting sessions and talks to groups on the benefits of tea.

He can be contacted on (01249) 713648.