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.
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