A CANDLE-maker from Lymm is looking forward to a thriving festive season thanks to a host of celebrity endorsements.

Former radio DJ Paul Smith, launched the Lymm Candle Company 18 months ago with his partner Ian Roberts.

And the couple already have a loyal following which includes Slade frontman Noddy Holder and Matthew Corbett, from Lymm, who hosted The Sooty Show.

Paul and Ian have also been burning the candle at both ends to meet demand from several Corrie stars and they are even in talks to create an exclusive candle for singer Joe Longthorne at the same time as running their stall at Golden Square’s Christmas market.

The business marks a complete change for Paul who used to work in broadcasting and still runs his own production company with Ian.

The 41-year-old said: “The candle company is just something completely different.

“Noddy Holder has been a good friend for many years so he does now buy our candles as well and Matthew Corbett who is a great friend and neighbour in Lymm.

“Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald in Coronation Street, came to one of our markets and bought some candles and Darren Day is another big supporter.

“We’re in talks with Joe Longthorne at the moment about producing an exclusive scented candle for him. The idea is that you could light the candle, listen to one of his albums and have the full atmospheric experience!”

Paul was on the airwaves in the 90s hosting evening shows on Manchester’s Key 103 as well as presenting the drive time show on Piccadilly Radio.

He met fellow DJ Ian through work and although the pair set up their own business, Reactive Media, 13 years ago, Ian was a former breakfast show host for Magic FM while Paul can now be heard in numerous voice-overs and seen on TV adverts for Fords of Winsford.

The complete career diversion came about after Ian, aged 49, decided to have another go at candle making, something he used to do many years ago at school.

Paul said: “Ian had done it ages ago and wanted to revisit it so we had a go. I would encourage anybody who does something like this as a hobby and is thinking about taking it into business to have a go and just try something, give it a go.

“We just love what we do and it doesn’t seem like a job really.”

Lymm Candle Company is one of the many stalls set up at this year’s Christmas market at Golden Square.

There is also a traditional carvery, gourmet burgers and sausages, a sweet shop, a German bar and stalls with Christmas jumpers, decorations, jigsaws and money boxes.

The market runs until December 23 and is open for late night shopping on Thursdays until 9pm.