A small business started up to help a friend prepare for a children's party has grown into a full-time job for Jane Bacon.

Mrs Bacon, a seasoned car booter, had the idea of selling costumes on her stall but it was not a great success.

In 1998, a friend asked her about providing 20 party bags with a fairy theme. Since then, the business has grown to supplying more than 15,000 packs to schools, clubs and individuals across the south.

Mrs Bacon, who calls on members of her family to help when things get busy, said: "I realised how time-consuming something simple like making up bags could be.

"You have to source the presents, which can take half a day, and then wrap them all in time for the party. Many parents just don't have the time while they are preparing the rest of the event.

"I managed to get a deal to supply a professional children's party firm and it all grew from there.

"Now I'm supplying 150 organisations and 25 schools with gifts and toys for their fund-raising events and Christmas grottos. I had no idea it would become quite as big. I had to find premises to store the toys because they were gradually taking over the house.

"I'm grateful the business built up slowly. It gave me time to learn as I went along."

Parties in the Bag can be contacted on 01273 271405.