Former milkman Dave Edwards puts the success of his cleaning firm down to the help of a volunteer group set up to help fledging businesses in Oxfordshire.

The Kidlington man has not looked back since ditching the white stuff for soap suds nearly three years ago.

But the 47-year-old told the Oxford Mail his dream to be self-employed only became a reality after Oxfordshire Business Enterprises (OBE) lent a helping hand.

Today, Davidjan Domestics provides a cleaning and ironing service for 40 private and commercial clients across the county.

Mr Edwards, who set up the business with wife Jan, said: "I was a milkman in Oxfordshire for 30 years but the milk trade was going down pretty rapidly.

"We were at a party and people were moaning that they couldn't get cleaners, so we thought we would start up our own business. Our adviser was brilliant. It would have taken a lot longer without his help. We wouldn't have known a lot of things and he was always at the end of the phone."

Now Davidjan Domestics employs two part-time staff.

Mr Edwards said: "I work the hours I need to make a good living and have no one to boss me about.

"It's a good lifestyle and there's a good living to be made, but make no mistake it's all hard work, especially at the beginning."

OBE's 18 volunteer advisers offer guidance on business planning, marketing and accountancy, and give support during the early days of setting up a business, as well as to existing businessmen in need.

The service has helped 364 people develop business ideas over the last 12 months.

OBE is a non-profit making organisation supported by all Oxfordshire's local authorities.

It is co-ordinated from Cherwell District Council's offices in Banbury.

John Hoad, Cherwell's strategic director for planning, housing and economy, said Davidjan Domestics was a great example of the type of businesses the advice service aimed to help.

He added: "We want to encourage new businesses across Oxfordshire and OBE is making this happen."

To find out more, visit the advice service's website at www.oxonbe.co.uk