A MELTHAM couple hope they have created the Facebook of the future.

Teresa Millward and Helen Brearley have set up a free social networking site for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The site, Pretty Pink Pearl, and its associated clothing line has been their dream project for two years.

But since its launch last week it has already attracted hundreds of members.

Founder Teresa Millward, 32, said: “We started the business in a tiny bedroom of our old home.

“We put our savings and a lot of time and effort into it so hopefully it will continue to be a success.”

Teresa is a full time foster carer while Helen, 45, works for a Honley-based architect.

They formed the company in partnership with Lockwood-based Eyeplot Digital Ltd.

The site works by giving members of the LGBT community a free site to network and meet new people.

The members can submit designs for the site’s ethically-produced clothing line, which can be printed onto T-shirts or hooded tops.

The designer will earn money once their design is selected, printed and sold

Teresa added: “It’s been going brilliantly so far.

“Who knows it could even be the next Facebook.

“The clothing line is also going well; we sell at big events and I think it’s working well because the designs are really subtle.”

Teresa added: “We hope to diversify more into men’s products now we have launched the new site and we hope that the chaps out there will get designing for their community.”

But it’s success relies on members logging on and helping promote the business globally.

Ideas for the site are never-ending for the budding businesswomen.

A G-bay site will allow members to sell on unwanted items on the classifieds section.

A news section will keep members updated on the latest LGBT news, while a forum will allow members to interact with each other.

They site is even offering a helping hand for people wanting to launch their own small businesses, who cannot afford to start or market their own website.

“It’s all about giving back to the community,” Helen added.

“We want to help individuals or businesses that are just starting out to launch a product or service without the costs and pitfalls we faced.”

Visit www.prettypinkpearl.co.uk for more information.