A young entrepreneur from Portskewett, near Caldicot, has set up a business aimed at helping drivers of a range of vehicles produce better fuel economy and increase performance.

Former Chepstow Comprehensive School pupil Alex Powell, 24, set up Mapped Out Remapping, adjusts and fine-tunes a vehicle's software on the ECU to produce better fuel economy, increased performance and improved driveability.

Alex said: "I've always done work on my own cars, and wanted a challenge. I spent tens of thousands of pounds buying the right equipment and ensuring I was adequately trained by several companies. I then began a process of perfecting my skill set before working on a customer's vehicle.

" It becomes an obsession, with trying to get more and more power out of a stock engine!" he said.

Mapped Out Remapping has two members of staff, including Alex, who is self-funded but who has also just applied for the 'Big Ideas Wales Challenge', which offers a support network including a mentor.

Alex said: "A Mapped Out Remap for a customer's car, 4X4 or van can improve fuel economy substantially, increase power output and improve the drivability and responsiveness. I can save people money on fuel, and buying a newer vehicle because their old one was underpowered. It's a really exciting time, we've just expanded and are now offering our Custom Remaps for tractors, and other agricultural vehicles."