BUSINESS is blooming for local entrepreneur, Dorne James.

She has brightened up a corner of Pontypool Market by opening her own florists. Offering a beautiful array of exotic fresh flowers, Dorne is budding with excitement about her new venture.

"I have always wanted to set up my own business," said the former housewife.

"Floristry started as a hobby and I loved it that much I decided to take it up."

The shop is aptly named 'Sweet Williams', after the flowers and because Dorne will be taking the name Williams when she gets married to Ian Williams next year.

The 43-year-old mum of two studied for an NVQ in floristry at Usk college and spent five years working for local companies, before taking the important step to branch out on her own.

She said: "I am very excited about the new venture. I love markets, the people are so friendly and I wanted my shop to look old fashioned, in keeping with a market town."

Dedicated Dorne, of Pontnewynydd, is putting everything into the business, regularly attending Cardiff flower market at 5am, to ensure she offers the best selection of fresh flowers.

Dorne added: "We cater for every occasion, weddings, funerals and births. Flowers can be made up to customers' specifications, you can have silk arrangements, hand tied bouquets and baskets.

"We also sell chocolates and teddy bears."

Dorne's enthusiasm seems to be rubbing off on family members. Her sister, Lynne Daniel, is helping out at Sweet Williams as a trainee and intends to go to college to study floristry next year.

Sweet Williams is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a £25 bouquet and a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day - see below for details.