Sisters Abigail and Hannah Tayler are never short of children to play with.

Almost every day a new friend turns up at their Newhaven home and makes a real impression.

The regular visits are all part of their mum's business which involves casting little children's hand and feet in plaster to make plaques as family mementos.

Julie Tayler, who started Little Impressions last month, said: "It may sound like a creche but our home is in fact a thriving, creative business.

"Children grow so fast and, before you know it, only photos and videos remain as a reminder of the days when they where so tiny and innocent.

"Photos can't fully capture how small those tiny fingers and toes were, but they can leave a lasting impression with Little Impressions.

"With two young daughters, I faced the same dilemma confronting many mothers: How to combine working with raising children.

"Eight months ago, I took the girls to Moya Pavin-Franks, who was running a pilot franchise in Worthing.

"As I was leaving, I told her if there were ever any opportunities for franchises to let me know.

"I went home and put the thought of having a my own business to the back of my mind but a few months later Little Impressions rang and asked if I would be interested in joining their team and running the franchise for East Sussex.

"It was a struggle but we raised the finance and so Little Impressions - hands and feet by Julie Tayler - was born."

After weeks of training, she was able to give up her part-time job as a graphic designer to cast children's hands and feet in clay. Using a moulding technique 3-D casts are created which preserve an image of a child's hands and feet. The impression process only takes a few minutes, then the detail is enhanced and put in a solid oak box frame.

Mrs Tayler can be contacted on 01273 512581.