A PERSHORE business woman who swapped shooting for soaps celebrated her first anniversary in business by thanking her customers.

Jo Whittingham opened Bubble Bath Gifts in Pershore market on February 8, last year and marked the birthday of the store on the same date this year with a discount on many of her items.

And with the first year going great it seems the gift store is bucking the trend.

"The first year has gone absolutely fantastic," said Mrs Whittingham. "After seven months we have taken over a second event.

"I think we have bucked the trend. It's not all roses and light but it's certainly got us up and running. It's my first business venture, along with my husband Clive.

"It's quite a change, before I worked at the Tiddesley Rifle Range and a range warden and I did that for ten years working for the army.

"But I always had a passion for soaps and smelly things so I decided I would give into that when the government closed the raffle range."

Now Mrs Whittingham spends her days amongst hand made soaps and bath bombs rather than guns and soldiers.

"We also sell accessories like back scrubs and essential oils. Everything you need for a gift or to treat yourself," she said.