MOTHER-of-three, Karen Shorthouse, is hoping to head for dizzy heights after launching her own business hiring hats for special occasions.

The former nurse, who gave up work to raise her family, felt it was time for a new challenge when her youngest daughter reached high school.

With an eye for fashion and a reputation for helping friends find suitable outfits for special occasions, she discovered a gap in the market.

The 42-year-old, from Iverley, near Kidderminster, decided to set up a business to cater for people who wanted to wear stylish designer hats but who did not always have the time to spend hours searching for the perfect accessory.

While setting up Karen Michelle Hats with a home studio packed with more than 200 of the best and most stylish designer hats made in the UK, she was amazed to be told that her great grandmother had been a milliner.

Sarah Anne Kitson was born in Kidderminster but moved to Lye following her marriage to Noah Whitehouse, a successful hairdresser, and together they ran a business in Cross Walks, Lye.

"There must be something in the genes," said Mrs Shorthouse, whose surname changed from Whitehouse when she married Kidderminster dentist, Richard Shorthouse.

Clients can choose hats for all occasions such as weddings, garden parties, Ascot and Henley in the comfort of her 30ft conservatory studio at her home in Sugar Loaf Lane.

She has also taken a room in a newly-completed extension to the house for storage - freeing up her daughter's overcrowded bedroom.

For more information about Karen Michelle Hats, contact 01562 701213 or emailkaren

michellehats@hotmail.co.uk