Farmer's son James Hart has two passions in life: animals and food. Now his life includes both, since he is working full-time in a cattery and running his own catering business, JF Functions, in his spare time.

He said "I worked at Smith's Bistro in Ardington and decided that there was money to be made in catering. I wanted to have a bash at it myself."

He started with a private champagne reception and canapes for 235 guests of Wantage MP Ed Vaizey and also hosted a hunt party for 147 people in a private school.

However, generally he thinks small.

"I specialise in meals in your own home, because a lot of catering companies don't do it. I like it because it is a personal service.

"I am starting small and hopefully moving on to bigger things. I prefer functions with 50-60 people because I don't want to bite off more than I can chew," he said.

He has gained customers by word-of-mouth, and from flyers which he distributed himself.

But he admits starting a business from scratch has been challenging, although he believes his background will serve him well in the future.

He said: "Our family have been in farming and I grew up on a farm. I have been interested in animals all my life, but I am also interested in food.

"I have learned from watching other people I think that is better training than any courses."

n Call 07949 901029