A mother-of-two who launched a tent-hire business on her credit card four years ago is now debt free and turning a healthy profit.

Kate Southerland, 44, of Brancaster Staithe, decided to invest in six bell tents after struggling to put up tents on a family holiday with her husband and two young children.

'I said to my husband, 'there must be an easier way',' she said. 'He suggested a bell tent made out of canvas.'

With help from enterprise agency Nwes, Mrs Southerland found out how to launch a business, and made the leap into ownership with her 'glamping' business, 2posh2pitch.

She said: 'I didn't know where to get the money from. The banks didn't want to help me other than offering me credit cards. Now everything is paid for. I now have more than £3,000 in my account and don't owe anyone any money.'

Now Mrs Southerland pitches tents across north Norfolk at weddings, fetes, hen weekends and birthday parties.

'This year I have had bookings since May every weekend and it didn't stop until the end of September,' she said. 'It is really full on.'

Mrs Southerland plans to buy a branded van in preparation for next season.