A NORTHUMBERLAND skincare business is hoping to hit the big time after signing up to sell its products in the US.

Empathy Skincare, which makes the Natural Empathy range from local natural and organic ingredients, is now being sold by Californian cosmetics business Overallbeauty.com

The Amble-based company was only launched in November but is already gathering international fans, including members of the Belgian royal family.

Managing director Beverley Stuckey said: “We provide natural and pure products inspired by British country living.

“We’re about working with the UK’s best ingredients, honest suppliers and tracing the true heritage of our key ingredients. For example, the rape seed oil used in a lot of our products is grown and harvested in rural Northumberland.

“These are messages which are appealing. Americans seem to love the true Britishness and country living ethos of our products.”