A "BUDDING" business has been set up in Bewdley by a woman who cottoned on to a novel idea.

Displays based around cotton flowers are the mainstay of the new "cOTTOnATIOn" shop which has been set up in Welch Gate by Sally Tomlinson.

In fact, you could almost say cotton is in her blood - her great grandfather was a successful cotton mill owner in Lancashire in the 1920s. cotton buff Sally Tomlinson outside her new shop in Bewdley.

But it was in a restaurant in Madrid the 28-year-old chanced upon a display and was so taken with it she scoured the city for more cotton.

This set the wheels in motion for the opening of a shop offering products which Miss Tomlinson says are "like nothing available anywhere in the country yet".

The opening of the shop last month was the result of six months' effort - and a significant career change.

Miss Tomlinson formerly worked as a conference co-ordinator in London and a tour co-ordinator in Brighton but has moved to Wyre Forest with her partner.

She loves to chat to customers about her creations for home or office. They are made from cotton flowers and materials such as pebbles, wood and leaves. Not many people realise that cotton grows on stems and I've been busy for the last six months sourcing the best supplies from abroad and learning more about this fascinating plant," Miss Tomlinson said.

She also produces items including hand-crafted greetings cards and wedding invitations from natural products such as leaves, feathers and leather.

Her displays are tailored to demand, which she says can come from a style-conscious young couple or someone wanting a homely kitchen display.

"They're low maintenance - you don't have to water them," she added.

"They're like a funkier version of dried flowers!"