YOUNG businessman James Cornford is knocking his rivals for six.

His hand-made cricket bats are bowling players over because they are tailored to suit each individual.

He believes that special attention to detail is something unique in the sport and already has some notable clients, including West Indian full international Keith Semple and Durham pro, Muzzy Ali.

Twenty-one-year-old James has set up a workshop at his family home in Weston, turning what began as a hobby into a full time job.

He's always been bats about cricket and is no mean performer himself, having played at international and county level.

He's played for England as a member of the U19 ECB side, Cheshire in a Minor Counties side, and with Northants 2nd V1.

And the sport is in his blood. He inherited the love of the game from his dad Bill, an antiques restorer, who also got him hooked on bat making.

"Dad used to make bats and I was just fascinated. I had a go and with his help I started making some for myself. I've been doing it for around four years now," he said.

His business venture began after six months of unemployment after leaving Reaseheath College where he studied golf course and green management.

His decision to tee off in a new direction was given a boost by the Government's New Deal scheme and the Prince's Trust which loaned him £3,000.

"They helped me get off the ground earlier than I might have done. The advice and practical help has been very useful," said James.

Using only the best quality willow James fashions his bats in an out-building at the family's Meremoor Farm, in Jacks Lane.

"My customers know that they will get a bat that is exactly the right weight, size and shape for them. They can also give it a good try out in a special knock-about area outside the workshop. These testing facilities are proving a real asset as there's nothing like feeling the ball on the bat to find out if its just right. The only problem is it gets a bit noisy out there, especially if the customers are youngsters. I get quite a few orders from parents keen to encourage their lads to play," he added.

Since Christmas his orders have been ticking over nicely but with the new season on the horizon James is hoping to be extra busy during March and April.

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