A space enthusiast has created a new business offering workshops and presentations on the subject.

Jo Richardson and her husband Peter moved to Bleadon four years ago specifically for the garden with its 180-degree views where they could build an observatory.

Last week, Jo launched her business Space Detectives where she will offer workshops and presentations on subjects including the solar system, the Milky Way and meteorites.

She said: “It has been in the pipeline for a good few years. My husband is an astrophotographer and we bought our house for the views which allowed us to do that.

“A few months ago, something happened in my day job and I thought ‘I’m just going to do this’ and I have spent the past eight or nine months doing nothing but research to get the business started.”

Jo said she has had a passion for space and astronomy since she was a child, and she does work with the National Trust to organise events at Brean Down.

She has been running public workshops as a volunteer for a number of years, and organised events for the BBC’s Stargazing Live South West.

She said: “I have long held the belief that if I manage to inspire just one person to look above them and see the wonders of what lies beyond our planet, then my job has been wholly worthwhile.

“I have had lots of encouragement from the astronomy community.

“I did a few pilot workshops and they were met with great enthusiasm. Hopefully it will take off. It’s great fun. I’m enjoying putting them together and I will be developing the workshops and presentation topics as I go along.”

The workshops are aimed at schools, community groups and children’s clubs.