A retired grandfather is cleaning up the competition with his new organic soap business.

Michael Brown, 66, has seen his fledgling firm go from strength to strength since he started selling soaps in markets in May, and has moved in to retail stores following his early success.

The former office worker’s wares - which include chemical-free soaps for eczema, psoriasis and special products for babies - are now on sale at Oasis Natural Products in Croydon High Street.

He said: “Business has been very good, people are cottoning on to the organic soaps because there are no chemicals in there.

“You can make a business a success, the trick is to just kept persisting.

“I knew I had a darn good product and I’m very passionate about my products.”

Mr Brown was spurred on to start the business after discovering the market trader who sold him his favourite locally-produced brand had died.

He got in touch with the man’s daughter to carry on her father’s work, and now sells a host of products at markets in Kenley, New Addington and across south London.

Anyone interested in getting hold of Mr Brown’s soaps can call 01689 644 355, or email vanessa42brown@googlemail.com.