TURNING your hobby into a job is frequently recommended as one of the best ways of starting your own business.

And when rock-climber Mark Credie returned to East Lancashire after travelling the world, he knew he wanted to do something based on his pastime.

From his home in the Ribble Valley village of Downham, he set up RockHoppers which provides a unique climbing experience for school playgrounds. The inspiration came from Mark's four-year-old son Ted who had been pestering his dad to take him climbing.

"It was obviously too dangerous to take him," recalled Mark. "So I built him his own climbing wall in the garden which he absolutely loves."

After doing some research into the market potential for schools, youth clubs and other children's groups, he knew he had an idea that could work.

Starting his own business was a big step for Mark, who had spent four years travelling the world and climbing peaks throughout Europe, the United States, Himalayas, South East Asia and Australia.

Mark set up RockHoppers in the spring and launched the business at a series of exhibitions for the Lancashire Healthy Schools Initiative.

"I got quite a good response and the first climbing wall was installed at Edisford County Primary School in Clitheroe in June," he said.

RockHoppers traversing walls have now been built at schools throughout the county and Mark will shortly be launching his own web site to help build sales.

The walls are specifically designed with children's safety in mind - instead of climbing upwards, children move sideways, using a series of challenging holds just a small distance above the ground.

"As any teacher or parent will confirm, climbing comes only too naturally for children," he said. "With Rockhoppers traversing walls, this enthusiasm can be channelled to promote balance, flexibility and co-ordination."

Climbing holds can include letters or numbers to add an educational dimension. Mark offers a complete design, supply and installation package and prices start from £250.

"It really is an inexpensive way to provide extra facilities in the playground, " said Mark. "The kids really love playing on them and it gives them a range of benefits.

"It improves their range of movement, promotes joint stability and builds their strength and power. Additionally, some schools say that children have become more willing to help each other and that they have developed a better acceptance of waiting their turn."