When Lorna Monaghan developed an allergy to silicon dust, it looked as if she would have to give up her nail-extension business.

But thanks to the inventiveness of her husband, Sean, her new Brighton salon has a dust-free atmosphere.

Lorna, who trained with Light Concept Nails, is gearing up for the opening of the salon, FingerTips, at 12 Sutherland Road this week.

Working alongside her will be her daughter, Shelly.

Lorna said: "It looked quite disastrous for the business when I developed the allergy.

"If a cure hadn't been found, it would have meant closing the business.

"There are no potentially dangerous chemicals in use. It is just an allergy I've developed.

Experimented "My husband and I started to think of ways round the problem and we thought the best way would be to change the air in the immediate working area.

"We experimented with working next to open windows but this was unsuccessful.

"Sean then hit on the idea of extracting the air by means of a simple domestic vacuum cleaner unit.

"The subsequent adaptation of the unit proved so successful I was able to work with nail extensions again without any problem.

"It has literally salvaged my much-loved career and business prospects."

The vacuum units have now been fitted into the work areas in the new salon, taking the dust away from the technician and the client.

Lorna said: "As far as I know, this is a first."