BEING told to sign on for six months wasn't advice Martin Farrant wanted to take.

The 50-year-old, who lives in Honiton, had been running his own business, Acorn Stained Glass, for 20 years but things weren't going as he would have liked.

He decided to put the business on the backburner, temporarily sign on and quickly find himself a new job and a brand new challenge.

But after being told to sign on for six months — something he calls a "strange logic" — and taking up training courses, Martin thought he would go it alone.

He wrote to businesses asking them if they would be able to offer him employment and now he is running a shop in Ottery St Mary.

"I went to the job centre to see what there was in terms of retraining opportunities," said Martin.

"But I didn't want to sign on for six months. I wrote a letter to businesses saying I was annoyed with the situation and if anyone could give me an interview for a job, or give me an opportunity, I would appreciate it."

And Martin's initiative paid off.

Colin and Theresa Daly, who own Bay Trading Shoe Repairs in Ottery St Mary's Mill Street, read the letter.

"Colin replied," said Martin, "and said he might have an opportunity for me because he thought that I was practical.

"He hand delivered a letter to me and introduced himself. After that I called him and agreed to lease the shop from him."

Martin had previously repaired shoes but that was before he started making stained glass windows two decades ago.

Since December, Colin has been training Martin to help him polish his skills.

Martin said: "Everyone is really pleased to see the shop open again. They have said they really missed it in town.

"It had been closed for the last few years and the reopening has been really well received by the community.

"Ottery St Mary really values its local shops and it has been great being here. I'm looking forward to serving the local community."

Colin, 66, said he had owned the shop for around 25 years, and, after one unsuccessful lease following his retirement, was more than happy to give Martin a chance to make a go of the business.

"I wanted to see the shoe shop return," he said.

"I have had the shop for around 25 years and Ottery has been very good to us."

He added: "I had a chat with Martin after reading his letter and thought that because he was practical, I could teach him to repair shoes.

"It is nice to give someone an opportunity and it is really important to me to see the shop open again carrying out shoe repairs. I would really like to see Martin succeed with the business."

To contact him, call 07890 603053 or email martin@ baytreeshoerepairs.co.uk, or visit www. baytreeshoerepairs. co.uk.