Two Sussex businesswomen have picked up awards from the Prince's Youth Business Trust.

Barbara Beattie, who runs a holiday home for pets in Eastbourne, won first prize in the Most Unusual Business category at the Anthony Everett awards.

A life-long animal lover, she came up with the idea when recovering from illness.

A friend put her in touch with the trust, which was impressed with her plan and approved a loan and a grant.

The Most Unusual Business category is aimed at successful businesses which have developed a unique or innovative idea.

Barbara was presented with her prize, a £100 cheque and a pair of Dr Martens boots, by the trust's chairman in Sussex, Ben Hanbury.

Also picking up a prize was Katie Eaglen who, with her partner, set up Angels, an all-female decorating and interior design service.

Katie, 20, won the award for Best Young Business.

She used her loan from the trust to put the business on the road with a van, ladder, paintbrushes and all the tools of the trade.

The awards were set up in memory of Anthony Everett, who worked for trust for more than ten years.