Wedding idea leads to web success

Mr Russell says he has been an entrepreneur since the age of 12

A couple's brainwave to bankroll their wedding is turning into a major internet money-spinner.

Dan and Jenine Russell, from Plymouth, set up a web-based mail-order company to finance the £6,000 wedding in 2006.

Now it has a turnover of more than £250,000 and is growing so fast that Mr Russell, 23, is looking at retirement in the near future.

Mr Russell, said setting up the firm, called Choicebuy, was "the best decision I ever made".

He told BBC News: "We have looked at a few estimates from our accountant on what the business is worth.

"Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but it is looking good."

Mr Russell has been an entrepreneur since the age of 12 when he started selling didgeridoos because he could not find a paper round.

At the age of 16 he set up a computer repair firm.

Mr Russell admits that he regularly works a 12-hour day with Christmas becoming almost non-stop fulfilling orders.

"Right now it is a lot of hard work and hardly any sleep," he said.

"But it's the best decision I ever made.

"I would say to everyone else, 'Just go for it and trust your instinct'."