A HEADLESS Cross man has branched out on his own after it became too tough to find work in the flagging car industry.

Mark Rutter has opened model shop Hobby Hut in Rectory Road in a bid to launch a new career.

The shop stocks radio control vehicles, including aircraft, helicopters and boats, as well as a range of plastic static kits.

It is the only one of its kind in Redditch.

The 42 year old, who lives in nearby Feckenham Road, has previously worked for companies such as MG Rover and Jaguar but a decline in the industry meant it was becoming harder to find contracts.

"I have been forced into a situation where I am looking for something else to do," he said.

"I'm not on my own. There's a number of people I worked with who are trying to do something else -- we can get a lot of work abroad but there's nothing here."

Mr Rutter said he had ploughed everything into the new venture, adding: "And it's just down the road from where I live so I will not have to travel.

''The thought of being able to get out of bed and know where I will be is really nice."