Former soldier Roy Edmond-son's new business is scaling the dizzy heights - thanks to help from Business Link and Keighley Local Enterprise Agency.

Roy's new venture - Aire Valley Tree Services - offers tree felling, pruning, hedge maintenance, storm damage and site clearance to domestic and commercial clients. He hopes this year to add stump grinding to his list of services.

Roy served in the army, as a private in the Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire for six years. He completed tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia, but it was his tour of duty in Canada in 1994 that first got him interested in arboriculture.

"We spent some time in the Rockies and there was a lot of work being done in the forests there," said Roy. "I watched it being done and was fascinated - that's where I got the bug."

In order to start his business, Roy has had to undergo rigorous training, as the law requires that anyone using a chain saw professionally has to be trained.

Via the National Proficiency Testing Council, Roy has undergone training in chain saw operation, maintenance and safety, tree climbing, aerial rescue, use of chain saw in a tree and first aid.

However, it doesn't end there. This year, he will undergo further training in tree crown reduction, tree crown lifting, tree crown pruning and tree planting.

Roy said: "The tree planting training is very important for conservation. Most people don't realise that if you take down a tree which is subject to a preservation order, you have to plant two in its place.

"And part of my success is because I clean up after myself and take all the cuttings away with me." And it must be good work, because Roy has already been asked back three times to do work for one family.

Roy, 29, is Keighley born and bred, and was educated at St Joseph's and Holy Family schools.

Married with four children, he is the manager of Long Lee Juniors football team, and enjoys tropical fish, horse riding and fishing in his spare time.

In September, before starting his business, Roy attended Keighley Local Enterprise Agency's business planner course, which guides people through the minefield of starting a business and covers aspects including business planning, cash flow forecasting, marketing, sources of finance and legal structures.

At the end of the course, all the participants have a chance to meet and talk to experts such as Business Link, Inland Revenue, a local bank, a solicitor or accountant.

Keighley Local Enterprise Agency helps people who are thinking about setting up their own business, people who are setting up their own business and people who run a small business.

The Agency offers free, impartial and confidential advice, given by people who either have run or are running their own business - in other words, people who really understand the pitfalls of business.

Roy said: "The business planner course was a great help in creating my Business Plan and in starting my own business - I enjoyed every minute of it."

Aire Valley Tree Services can be contacted on 01535 600299. If you are thinking of starting your own business, contact Keighley Local Enterprise Agency on 01535 607775.