A 16-year-old from Flintshire has launched his own sunglasses business - less than a year after he attempted to take his own life.

Alfie Hughes, from Broughton, launched Fierce Sunglasses earlier this month - and has done it all by himself.

And what's even more impressive is that Alfie's done it while battling severe mental health issues - which included him self-harming - leading to him eventually overdosing January 2019.

Out of school, Alfie knew he had to do something to give himself a purpose and something to focus on.

He said: "My mental issues started in 2018, and it led to me overdosing and spending time in hospital in January 2019.

"I knew that I had to find something to put all my focus on - I've always been interested in business and entrepreneurship so that's where the idea to start my own business came from."

Following the brainchild to launch a sunglasses business, Alfie searched for a range of products from Chinese manufacturers and had those he wanted to shipped to his house.

He also utilised a UK packaging company, and used its supplies to package all the products himself.

Alfie has set up a Fierce Sunglasses website, and once people place an order he visits the local post office to have it delivered to the customer's address.

He said: "My friend is a model so a did a shoot with her literally outside my house, but it came out so well and looks so good."

And, having launched on March 13, Fierce Sunglasses has already sold products to over 20 customers.

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But more important to Alfie than sales is how it's all positively impacted on his mental health.

He said: "Focusing on this has improved my mental health so much, so it's given me a purpose and a drive which I didn't have before.

"I just want to say to people who are struggling, find something you're passionate about and go for it.

"It doesn't have to be in business, just something you're interested in - it's made a massive difference to me."

Alfie has paid homage to his mum Louise for her support throughout.

He said: "My mum has been such a help, always spurring me on and never once did she tell me it was bad idea or too ambitious.

"She was just, well, like my mum and I'm so thankful to her."

You can browse some of Fierce Sunglasses' products at https://www.fiercesunglasses.com/