An entrepreneurial mum who had the courage to pursue her dream and set up a new business during a pandemic has celebrated a year in business.

The home fragrance and gift shop Sam’s Scents and Aromas opened at the end of August 2020.

Samantha Collins said: “It is such a relief that we managed to survive the lockdowns and be able to open again. We are very grateful to all our customers and thank them very much as without them we wouldn’t be here.”

The shop at 724 London Road is also a collection point until October 31 for The Pyjama Appeal, a UK charity, that collects brand new pyjamas for poorly children in hospital this Christmas.

The new pyjamas for the age range from newborn up to 18-years-old are then shared between local hospitals, hospices and women’s refuges.