AN ENTREPRENEUR received the ultimate stamp of approval on her new project when a star of BBC's Dragon's Den programme gave it his backing.

Amanda Charteris, founder and director of website Giftwrappedandgorgeous.com, received praise and support from Dragon Peter Jones.

Amanda, who is set to move to Newquay in the coming weeks and whose husband is based in the town as a pilot with Air Southwest, said she was delighted Peter Jones liked her idea.

Along with her business partner Alison Griffiths, Amanda won the chance to meet Peter through a competition with BT.

"I was quite overcome when I met Peter, but he was so nice and his advice was invaluable," she said.

"We met at the top of the BT trade tower in London and we had quite a long question and answer session with him.

"He gave me some fabulous advice, of which I have already acted upon… and it has already worked wonders," she added.

A former cabin crew worker, it was while Amanda was working as a wedding designer that she came up with the idea for her website.

She frequently came across unusual and exquisitely designed items of jewellery, home ware and accessories made by talented designers, young and old.

"The site is about promoting the goods of those people who have a real creative spirit, of those who make items for family and friends."

Amanda's website provides a platform for the UK's creative designers to showcase their goods to the world.

The site offers a wide range of items from rings and necklaces, to children's toys and bridal fashion accessories.

The website is set to be officially launched in the coming weeks.

Amanda added: "Peter has pledged to back British businesses in the recession and that works so well with our ethos - Giftwrappedandgorgeous.com is a luxury goods site that allows small firms and mum-trepreneurs to sell their goods nationwide via the internet."

Peter Jones started his journey on the road to business success at the age of 16. In 1998 he founded Phones International Group, a telecommunications firm that now generates revenues in excess of £200m.